Irish Rural Link (IRL) – the national network representing the interests of rural communities – welcomes the commencement of the new ‘Access to Cash’ legislation, which recently came into force.
IRL has consistently engaged with the Government and the Central Bank to highlight the importance of maintaining cash as a viable and accessible payment option. The organisation emphasises that people must continue to have the right and ability to access cash to pay for goods and services, particularly as digital and online payments become more widespread.
In recent years, the closure of bank branches and post offices across rural towns and villages has made it increasingly difficult for people to access ATMs and withdraw cash. Many individuals face longer journeys to reach the nearest cash point, which is even more difficult for those without access to a car or public transport.
Cash remains a crucial budgeting tool for many people, especially older residents, low-income households, and welfare payment recipients. The rise in financial scams, combined with a lack of digital and online banking skills among some groups, also reinforces the need for reliable access to cash for day-to-day transactions.
While some retail outlets currently host ATMs inside their stores, this restricts access to business opening hours. IRL stresses the importance of ensuring that ATMs are available outside of limited trading schedules and that they are sufficiently stocked to avoid running out of cash, particularly in smaller rural communities.
Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link, said: “We welcome this new law, signed off by the Minister for Finance. People still use cash, and they must continue to have the right to access cash regardless of where they live in the country.”
IRL continues to advocate for the development of a community banking model that would offer essential cash services while supporting SMEs and micro-enterprises to grow and sustain their businesses. Such locally based banks would be embedded within communities, helping rebuild relationships and trust between financial institutions and their customers—something that has diminished in recent years as traditional pillar banks have withdrawn from rural areas.
