New Guidelines to Protect Cash Access in Communities from July
Minister Simon Harris introduced new guidelines, effective July, allowing the public to report cash access issues to the Central Bank. This initiative aims to protect local cash services, vital for many, in line with the Access to Cash Act's requirements for ATM and service point proximity.
Minister for Finance Simon Harris announced new guidelines to protect local access to cash, effective July. The public and small businesses can now report cash access issues directly to the Central Bank.
The Central Bank will assess submissions for local deficiencies and assign «designated entities» to resolve them. Harris emphasized that despite increased card payments, cash remains vital for older people, small businesses, and families, ensuring reasonable access to cash services in all communities.
The Access to Cash Act, enacted last year, mandates that most of the population be within 10km of an ATM and a cash service point. A February Central Bank report identified over 4,000 ATMs and 1,200 cash service points in Ireland, noting six minor shortfalls in meeting the Act's criteria. Firms are expected to submit proposals to address these deficiencies.