Ireland’s New Access to Cash Legislation Takes Effect This Week

Ireland will implement its new legislation aimed at ensuring access to cash on November 28, 2025. The Department of Finance confirmed that Simon Harris TD, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, will sign key orders under the Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025. This Act, which began on June 30, 2025, aims to maintain cash as a vital component of the payment system in an increasingly digital economy.

The legislation was introduced in response to a notable decline in cash usage across Ireland. The Department of Finance emphasized that the Act is designed to secure effective access to cash for all citizens, particularly those who may not have digital banking options. The primary objectives include ensuring sufficient access to cash and establishing a regulatory framework for managing future changes to cash infrastructure transparently and equitably.

Key Provisions of the Legislation

One of the significant aspects of the legislation is Section 5, which mandates that the Minister for Finance, in consultation with the Central Bank of Ireland, determine the required percentage of the population that must be situated within a specified distance of ATMs and cash service points, including bank branches and post offices. Specifically, residents must be located within 5 km to 10 km of such facilities across the eight NUTS3 regions in the State.

The Act also stipulates minimum ATM availability, requiring a set number of ATMs for every 100,000 people in each region. Recent adjustments to these criteria account for the exit of Ulster Bank Ireland DAC and KBC Ireland plc, ensuring that existing cash infrastructure, particularly ATMs and cash service points, remains at current levels.

Another significant element, outlined in Section 10, involves the designation of specific credit institutions as “designated entities.” These entities are defined by their market share in current accounts and household deposits, with thresholds set at 6% for current accounts and 7.5% for household deposits. According to the Department of Finance, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB currently meet or exceed these thresholds, thereby being classified as designated entities responsible for ensuring compliance with access to cash criteria.

Monitoring and Compliance

The Central Bank of Ireland will oversee the enforcement of this legislation, conducting quarterly monitoring to ensure compliance. The bank will have the authority to direct designated entities to take necessary actions to address deficiencies in cash access within local communities.

In a statement regarding the legislation, Simon Harris TD remarked on the importance of maintaining cash as a payment option, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those lacking digital access. He stated, “In recent years, the Irish payments system has become increasingly digitalised, yet cash remains an important means of payment for many people in society.”

The introduction of this legislation marks a significant step towards balancing the evolving landscape of payment methods while ensuring that cash remains accessible to all segments of the population in Ireland.