Independent TD Mattie McGrath has welcomed the Government’s decision to guarantee a right to cash but fears it has come “five or six years too late”. 

In May, the Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 was signed into law by President Higgins. 

Six months on, Minister for Finance Simon Harris will now sign an order compelling financial institutions to situate an ATM machine within a 10km radius of most of the country’s population centres. 

The measure was designed with rural Ireland in mind, where the closure of bank branches in many towns have left some people travelling huge distances to take out money. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath described the order as long overdue. 

 “Many of the banks have removed themselves from even sizable towns, not to mention other places,” he said. 

“So, this is very badly needed. We need extra cash. As I said, many of the outlets have been removed already.” 

Deputy McGrath added that although he welcomes the order, he fears the legislation lacks the teeth to ensure it is implemented. 

“I don’t see how in the legislation they’re going to pick one or coax one of those to have an ATM,” he said. 

“It’s a worry for many small shops; it’s another expense and I’ve seen a lot of them removing ATMs over the years.” 

Banknotes in a man's pocket. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Deputy McGrath said the arrival of debit cards and contactless payments are “wonderful” for those who use them - but not everyone is so tech savvy. 

“There is a cohort of people who don’t use cards, who don’t have smartphones and who don’t have internet either,” he said. 

“We saw when the storm came last year, we had people without power for a week and the cards weren’t much use to them.

“So, we have to have a belt and braces effect here and try and keep cash. 

“Cash is king, as far as I’m concerned. I do use the card but I like to have cash.” 

Main image: Split of Mattie McGrath and a pile of cash. Pictures by: Rolling News and Alamy.com.