Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has approved a motion calling on Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to restore funding for public organ donation awareness campaigns.

The motion was brought forward by Sinn Fein councillor Declan Lynch. It follows the decision last year to cancel planned campaigns due to budget pressures.

Dáithí Mac Gabhann, now aged nine, has been on the heart transplant waiting list for over 2,900 days and was recently moved to the urgent donor list. His father Mairtin Mac Gabhann welcomed the council decision.

The council will also illuminate its Lagan Valley Island headquarters in the colours of the Dáithí's Law campaign next week.

Dáithí's Law introduced an opt-out organ donation system in Northern Ireland on 1 June 2023.

Councillor Lynch also highlighted the We Are Donors Fionntan campaign, established after the death of engineering student Fionntan Mac Garvey in 2022. Mac Garvey's organ donation saved two lives.

The Department of Health was approached for comment. Minister Nesbitt has previously described organ donation as a lifesaving gift.