The public consultation covers two parts of the new regime under the Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025.

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.

The Central Bank is required to prepare guidelines setting out how it will receive notifications, undertake assessments, and make determinations regarding local deficiencies in cash infrastructure. The public consultation is seeking views on the proposed guidelines.

Secondly, it is consulting on setting minimum ATM service standards and notifications requirements for firms operating ATMs.

In 2026, the Central Bank 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.

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 legislation.”

He added: “This is an opportunity for members of the public and key stakeholders to have a say in how these important elements of the legislation will be implemented.

“We want to hear a wide range of views, so that we can implement these provisions in an effective, balanced and proportionate manner.”

The consultation will run until 4 March 2026.

The Central Bank 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.