Minister Canney Welcomes New National Access to Cash Infrastructure Standards
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the Government’s approval of new national criteria to safeguard access to cash under the Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 (Section 5) Order.
Coming into operation on 28 November 2025, the Order sets legally-defined standards to ensure people and businesses can continue to access cash locally, with a particular focus on rural and regional communities.
Minister Canney said: “Access to cash remains vital for many people and for thousands of local businesses. These new standards bring certainty and fairness by ensuring every region – urban and rural – has reliable access to ATMs and cash services within a reasonable distance.”
He noted the particular benefits for older people, small businesses and rural towns, adding: “Government has now put a clear framework in place to protect this essential service nationwide.”
Under the Order, minimum access levels are being set for each of the eight regions, covering:
• The percentage of the population living within 10km of an ATM
• The minimum number of ATMs per 100,000 people
• The percentage of the population within 10km of a full cash service point, including bank branches and post offices
Minister Canney added: “As we move further into a digital economy, these standards ensure that no community is left behind. Cash must remain available, accessible and dependable and this Order provides that clarity.”