The Central Bank of Ireland today launched a public consultation on the implementation of its new Access to Cash responsibilities.

The public consultation covers two parts of the new Access to Cash regime.

Firstly, the new legislation provides for the identification of local deficiencies in the cash infrastructure. That relates to certain geographical areas where there may be particular difficulties in accessing cash, even if the Access to Cash criteria are being met.

Secondly, the central bank is consulting on setting minimum ATM service standards and notifications requirements for firms operating ATMs. In 2026, the regulator will publish regulations outlining ATM service standards relating to the hours of ATM availability, cash withdrawal limits, banknote denomination stocking, maximum ATM unavailability periods, and signage and information requirements. The regulations will also set out requirements for ATM operators to notify the Central Bank and the public when they intend to make changes to their business.

The period of open public consultation will run from 5 December 2025 until 4 March 2026.

The Central Bank of Ireland will also engage directly with consumers, people with disabilities, older people and SMEs, in particular in the retail and hospitality sectors, during the first three months of 2026.