Access to Cash – Legislation

The Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 provides for the continued provision of sufficient and effective access to cash infrastructure for individuals and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland. This legislation commenced with effect from 30 June 2025.

Cash infrastructure – in relation to access to cash legislation – refers to ATMs (that facilitate the withdrawal of banknotes) and cash service points.

A “cash service point” is a location where cash (banknotes and coins) may be deposited and withdrawn and where in-person assistance is available.

How will the Act ensure there is sufficient access to cash infrastructure?

The Minister for Finance has specified the access to cash criteria to ensure that individuals and SMEs have reasonable and effective access to “cash services”.

These criteria will apply in respect of each NUTS 3 region in Ireland (namely Border, West, Mid-West, South-East, South-West, Dublin, Mid-East, Midlands) in line with the following:

  • There is a minimum percentage of the population that should be within 10 kilometres of an ATM
  • There is a minimum number of ATMs that should be available per 100,000 people in the region concerned
  • There is a minimum percentage of the population that should be within 10 kilometres of a cash service point.

The Minister has specified that “designated entities” – i.e. credit institutions that have a minimum market share of current (6%) and deposit (7.5%) account business in the Irish State – are responsible for ensuring compliance with these criteria. Central Bank of Ireland has powers to monitor and designate such entities.

Currently AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB are designated entities. The Central Bank assesses compliance by designated entities with the criteria through data collected from designated entities, ATM operators and An Post. Data collected in respect of end March 2026 shows that the overall level of cash infrastructure is broadly in line with the criteria set by the Minister for Finance.

View the current register of designated entities.

Cash Access Reports

Review latest cash infrastructure data.

Access to Cash – For today. For tomorrow. For the future.