Superquinn customers managed to get rid of about €500,000 worth of old punts and coins in the last week in the company's 19 outlets.

Shoppers were able to use the old money to pay for groceries as part of a special arrangement put in place by the retailer. It responded after customers enquired about getting rid of their old money.

The money will now be passed to the Central Bank, but Superquinn will not be reimbursed, a spokeswoman explained. The Central Bank estimates more than €300 million in old money is still unaccounted for.

Shops in rural Ireland were particularly busy yesterday as shoppers attempted to spend the last few coins and punts left in their homes. The spokeswoman said shoppers found coins in various places, particularly in old jam jars and sometimes down the back of the couch.