‘Access to Cash’ measures a boost for businesses and communities in Offaly - TD

Offaly Fine Gael TD John Clendennen has welcomed new Government measures designed to guarantee that communities and businesses across the county will continue to have reliable access to cash.

The regulations, signed this week by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, activate the State’s new 'Access to Cash' legislation.

The move requires financial institutions to provide an ATM or cash-service point within 10km of the vast majority of homes and businesses in the country, a move aimed at safeguarding services in both rural and urban areas.

Deputy Clendennen said the changes will give people certainty at a time when banking services continue to move online.

“Access to cash is crucial for businesses and communities across our constituency,” he said.

“These measures are about giving people confidence that they will still be able to use cash and deposit services through their local ATM into the future.”

The new law also gives the Central Bank powers to monitor ATM coverage, set minimum service standards, and intervene if areas, particularly rural ones, experience poor access.

Clendennen said the legislation sends “a clear message that Fine Gael is backing businesses and backing communities,” adding that many people in Offaly still rely on cash in their daily lives.