Ireland's first-ever double lung and liver transplant recipient has said he plans to travel once he has made a full recovery.

29-year-old Robert Sheahan from Askeaton in County Limerick was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was a baby – and underwent the complex procedure in June.

He led a relatively healthy life until his mid-20s when his condition deteriorated.

Last year, his lung collapsed on three different occasions, landing him in the Mater Hospital for an eight-month stay.

Speaking to Newstalk this morning, Robert said that was the moment he knew he had a decision to make.

"That's when the meetings started happening,” he said. “Doctors, surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses – all these multi-disciplinary teams in different hospitals.”

Robert Sheahan, Ireland's first liver and double lung transplant recipient, with his two transplant consultants, Mr Emir Hoti (L), Director of National Liver Transplant Programme at St. Vincent's University Hospital and Mr Lars Nölke (R), Head of Heart and Lung transplantation unit at the Mater Hospital. Image: Conor McCabe Photography

The 29-year-old underwent the double lung and liver transplant in June – the first operation of its kind to take place in Ireland.

Two surgical transplant teams worked for around ten hours on the transplant.

Dr Lars Nölke, head of the Heart and Lung Transplantation Unit at the Mater said a lot of planning had to be carried out beforehand.

“All the key components were there and ready to go,” he said.

“What became then the big issue was getting them all coordinated into the big day.

“Getting efficient movement from one transplant to the next one and trying to keep Robert safe.”

Robert Sheahan, Ireland's first liver and double lung transplant recipient, with his two transplant consultants, Mr Emir Hoti (L), Director of National Liver Transplant Programme at St. Vincent's University Hospital and Mr Lars Nölke (R), Head of Heart and Lung transplantation unit at the Mater Hospital. Image: Conor McCabe Photography

Robert was finally released from hospital at the end of August. He said every week since has brought him one step closer to normality.

“The huge milestone for me was when the oxygen company came to take away all my oxygen equipment that I needed and was dependent upon,” he said. “That felt great.”

He said his next milestone is a return to the gym - and he also feels he has earned a trip abroad to visit friends.

Reporting from Andrew Lowth