The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) says the ice bucket challenge phenomenon has resulted in donations to the charity totalling €1.4m. A final total is to be released at the end of September.

It is estimated that as many as 500,000 people across the island of Ireland deliberately drenched themselves in ice cold water to raise funds for the association, which helps some 330 patients and their families deal with the challenges of motor neurone disease.

Patients, staff and supporters have today put a “thank-you” video on-line, in acknowledgement of the effort made by donors.

Dr Declan Mac Daid, chairman of IMNDA said, "We have been blown away by the generosity of the Irish public, and have watched on almost in disbelief as the total raised kept rising and rising, and people’s timelines kept filling and filling. We cannot thank people enough for what they did."

"The focus now is on how the money can best be spent to deal with the needs of those living with motor neurone disease, and their families," he added.

The money is to be used in a variety of ways, which will be outlined following a detailed consultation with the IMNDA's clients, their families, their carers and supporters of IMNDA.

A questionnaire is also in the process of being prepared - which will be sent to every patient and user of the IMNDA service across Ireland to identify where the need is greatest.

Patients, staff and supporters have today put a 'thank-you' video on-line, in acknowledgement of the effort made by donors.