While the number of overall organ transplants fell last year compared to 2011, there was a big increase in transplant operations involving hearts, lungs and kidneys from living donors, new figures have shown.

According to the figures from the National Organ Procurement Service at Dublin's Beaumont Hospital, last year saw 78 deceased donors providing 206 organs.

"Last year was almost an average year for deceased organ donors at 78, down as expected from the record set the previous year at 93, but only two donors off the five-year average (2008-2012) of 80," commented Mark Murphy, chief executive of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA).

The figures show that 131 kidneys were donated by deceased donors, down from 165 in 2011 and just below the five-year average of 136.

However, there was a big increase in kidney donations from living donors - 32 compared to 27 last year and well above the five-year average of 22.

Ten heart transplants were carried out last year, compared to six in 2011. This was also well above the five-year average of six.

Meanwhile 14 lung transplants took place last year, compared to eight in 2011. This was also well above the five-year average of seven. Of these 14 procedures, 10 were single transplants, while four were double lung transplants.

The biggest fall was seen in pancreas transplants. Just one pancreas was transplanted simultaneously with a kidney last year. In 2011, there were eight pancreas transplants and the average for the last five years was seven.

The number of liver transplants also fell from 61 in 2011 to 50 last year. The average for the last five years was 54.

Mr Murphy thanked the generosity of all the donors and their families.