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Supermarkets have seen a 200% spike in the demand for ice due to the latest online charity fundraising craze.

Some retailers are having to bring in emergency stock to meet the demand as the Ice Bucket Challenge for Motor Neurone disease sweeps the nation.

Dun Loaghaire’s Tesco Bloomfield had some of the highest sales figures, hitting a massive 200% increase in demand compared to this time last year.

Thomas Guilfoyle, fresh food manager at the store, said demand had been unprecedented.

He told Retail Intelligence magazine: “I’d say we’re at the peak of this now.

“If you go into any social media website, every second post is related to the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’. I think nearly everyone’s got their challenge in at this stage.”

Over the weekend Tesco reported nationwide sales 45% higher than this time last year.

A spokeswoman said: “Ice sales have increased further this week with a 63% increase in ice sales on Monday.

“New stock has gone into stores this week to cater for this increased demand.”

SuperValu in Dublin’s Talbot street recorded a 25% boost, while in Malahide the chain said 10% more had been sold.

Today the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association said participants in Ireland had raised E850,000 as a direct result of the Ice Bucket Challenge.

The charity renewed its appeal to the public through social media yesterday, calling for even more donations.

They said: “Just wanted to let you know that your ice bucket challenges have now raised €850,000. Dare we dream about reaching the big million.”

The craze has seen public figures from George Bush to Roy Keane take part, raising millions in the process.

Earlier today actor Matt Damon took part in the challenge – using toilet water in a bizarre twist.