The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has said it needs an additional 400 people a week to make donations during June if a blood shortage is to be avoided.

The service has said by the middle of this week, supplies will be down to four days in most blood groups. It has urged the public to make donations at their local clinics.

Some 13,500 donations are needed this month to maintain supply. Currently, just 3 per cent of those eligible actually donate blood.

Paddy Bowler, director of operations with the service, pointed out that the World Cup will be played this summer and said traditionally big international sports events have an impact on attendance at donation clinics.

“June is also the beginning of the summer holiday period which usually presents difficulties in sustaining the blood supply as donations decline,” he said.

He said blood lasts only 35 days and platelets last five days. The service aims to hold about seven days’ supply of blood at any given time.

“We need people constantly coming to our clinics to maintain a consistent supply,” Mr Bowler said.

“Patients do not go on holidays, so we are asking those donors who can to give the gift of life to those patients.”

Details of clinics can be found at giveblood.ie.