Members of the public and small businesses in Ireland will soon be able to raise concerns directly with the Central Bank if they experience difficulties accessing cash services in their local area, under new measures being finalised by the government.
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris is expected to approve updated guidelines in the coming days aimed at strengthening Ireland’s “access to cash” framework. The move follows last year’s introduction of rules designed to ensure a minimum level of cash infrastructure across all regions, including requirements on ATM availability and the distance people should have to travel to reach cash services.
Under the existing framework, each region must meet criteria such as a minimum percentage of the population living within 10 kilometres of an ATM or cash service point, along with a set number of ATMs per 100,000 residents. However, authorities have acknowledged that regional compliance does not always reflect local realities.
The new guidelines will allow individuals, businesses, community groups and representative organisations to notify the Central Bank where they believe access to cash is insufficient or at risk of becoming inadequate in their specific locality.
Once submitted, these concerns will be assessed by the Central Bank, which will examine whether a “local deficiency” exists and whether any corrective measures are required. The framework will also outline the type of information that must be provided when raising a complaint, as well as the process for reviewing and responding to submissions.
In its assessment, the Central Bank will consider factors such as ATM and bank branch closures, population growth, travel distances to cash services, geographic challenges and demographic trends. The broader impact on financial inclusion will also be taken into account.
Officials say the initiative is intended to provide a practical safeguard for communities that may be affected by changes in banking infrastructure, even where national or regional targets are being met.
A spokesperson for Simon Harris said the measures are designed to maintain public confidence in access to cash. “People and small businesses need confidence that they can continue to access cash services when and where they need them,” the spokesperson said. “These guidelines will ensure that communities have a clear route to raise concerns where local access to cash is becoming more difficult.”
The Central Bank will also publish updates on notifications received and their status, adding a layer of transparency to the process.
The policy follows wider concerns about the decline in cash usage, particularly since the expansion of digital payments during the Covid-19 pandemic. A 2023 retail banking review highlighted instances where businesses were refusing cash, prompting legislative action to guarantee continued access.
Ireland’s Central Bank reported earlier this year that while the country’s cash infrastructure largely meets national criteria, several local shortfalls still exist. Advocacy groups such as Irish Rural Link have previously welcomed the access-to-cash initiative, describing it as important for rural communities and older populations who continue to rely on physical currency.
The new guidelines are expected to come into effect shortly after ministerial approval.
