ATM use: Republic tops the list

IRISH consumers withdraw more money from cash-machines than anyone else in Europe — taking out almost €6,000 a year each, figures have revealed.

Last year, the average man and woman withdrew €5,923 each at ATMs in contrast to the frugal Danes, who withdrew just €513.

The popularity of cash withdrawals has puzzled Ireland’s bankers, who say more consumers than ever have Laser debit cards allowing them to pay electronically instead of with cash.