🇮🇪 CBI Consultation high

Central Bank of Ireland launches Access to Cash consultation

Published 5 December 2025 | Ireland

AI Analysis

Executive Summary

The Central Bank of Ireland has launched a public consultation on implementing new **Access to Cash** responsibilities under the Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025, which commenced on 30 June 2025. This consultation addresses two critical areas: identifying local deficiencies in cash infrastructure and establishing minimum ATM service standards. The initiative reflects regulatory commitment to ensuring cash remains readily available as payment preferences shift toward digital channels.

What Changed

The consultation covers two primary regulatory components: 1. Local Deficiency Guidelines The Central Bank will establish procedures for identifying geographical areas where individuals and SMEs face particular difficulties accessing cash, even where overall access-to-cash criteria are met. The guidelines will specify how the Central Bank receives notifications, undertakes assessments, and makes determinations regarding local deficiencies. 2. ATM Service Standards and Operator Requirements The Central Bank will publish regulations in 2026 establishing minimum standards for ATM operators covering: - Hours of ATM availability - Cash withdrawal limits - Banknote denomination stocking requirements - Maximum ATM unavailability periods - Signage and information requirements - Notification requ

What You Need To Do

*For designated credit institutions
Monitor consultation developments and prepare for compliance with minimum cash infrastructure maintenance levels once regulations are finalized
Prepare to provide quarterly data on ATM numbers, locations, and availability hours
*For ATM operators
Engage with the consultation process to provide feedback on proposed service standards
Prepare operational procedures to comply with forthcoming ATM service standards (hours, withdrawal limits, denomination stocking, unavailability periods)

Key Dates

5 December 2025 – 4 March 2026 – Public consultation period for local deficiency guidelines and ATM service standards

30 June 2025 – Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 commenced

Early 2026 – First publication of quarterly cash infrastructure data expected

30 June 2026 – Central Bank to publish local deficiency guidelines

2026 – Central Bank to publish final ATM service standards regulations

Q1 2026 – Direct engagement with consumers, people with disabilities, older people, and SMEs

Compliance Impact

Urgency: HIGH

Who is Affected

*Primary stakeholders requiring immediate attention:Designated credit institutionsATM deployers and operatorsCash-in-transit (CIT) providersRetail and hospitality SMEsConsumers and vulnerable populations

References

Summary

The Central Bank of Ireland has today (5 December) launched a public consultation on the implementation of our new Access to Cash responsibilities. Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros said: “Amid a rapidly evolving payments landscape, the Central Bank of Ireland is committed to making sure that cash continues to be readily available as a means of payment. Today’s consultation is an important step towards the implementation of the Central Bank’s new responsibilities under the Access to Cash leg...