Central Bank rolls out countrywide ATM map to safeguard public access to cash

The public can now notify the Central Bank if they believe there is insufficient access to cash in their community

The number of cash withdrawals from ATMs and cashback in shops declined by more than 7% but still saw €12.2bn being withdrawn.  Picture: Denis Minihane

The Central Bank has published the first map of ATMs in Ireland as part of efforts to safeguard the public's access to cash.

There are about 4,000 ATMs in Ireland and about 1,200 cash service points.

Along with the new map, the public can now also notify the Central Bank if they believe there is insufficient access to cash in their community.

Under new rules, there is a minimum percentage of the population in each region that must be within 10km of an ATM and a cash service point, as well as the minimum number of ATMs per 100,000 people in each region. 

The current criteria aim to maintain the number of ATMs and cash service points at 2022 levels, accounting for KBC's and Ulster Bank’s exits from the market. AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB are responsible for addressing any identified shortfalls.

Data published in March shows the overall level of cash infrastructure is largely in line with the criteria set by the minister for finance. However, in certain instances, there may be specific challenges in accessing cash at a more local level.

The number of cash withdrawals from ATMs and cashback in shops declined by more than 7% but still saw €12.2bn being withdrawn. Ireland's banks said for every €1 in cash withdrawn in 2025, €2.46 was spent in contactless payments. Despite this, efforts are maintained to ensure cash is available for consumers.

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Deputy governor of the Central Bank Vasileios Madouros said: "The Central Bank is committed to ensuring that cash remains available as a means of payment for individuals and businesses across Ireland. Today's publication of the local deficiency guidelines and cash access map follows a public consultation and engagement with stakeholders."

"It represents an important milestone in our role in implementing the access-to-cash legislation. While our data shows the overall cash infrastructure is largely in line with the criteria set out by the minister for finance, we recognise that localised issues may arise. 

"This new framework caters for the possibility of such local deficiencies, and its implementation is a further step towards safeguarding sufficient and effective access to cash across Ireland.”