Banking

Shops and pharmacies must accept notes and coins under new access to cash laws

New legislation aims to restore number of ATMs in Ireland to 2022 levels before exit of Ulster Bank and KBC from market

The legislation requires compliance with regional criteria that set the minimum numbers of ATMs per 100,000 people, and the proportion within 10 kilometres of an ATM and a cash service point. Picture: Getty

Retail banks in Ireland will have no choice but to play ball with new legislation aimed at ensuring future access to cash by providing ATM facilities, Michael McGrath has said.

The minister for finance on Tuesday published the Access to Cash bill which gives the Central Bank power to compel retail banks in Ireland to provide ATMs in areas where people have difficulty accessing cash.

The legislation aims to restore the number of ATMs in ...