Renewed call for 24-hour ATM in Moate following update from Finance Minister

A renewed call for a 24-hour ATM to be installed in Moate has been made, after an update was issued from Finance Minister Simon Harris on new legislation designed to protect access to cash services across the country.

Fine Gael councillor Tom Farrell recently wrote to the Minister seeking an update on the implementation of the Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025, which was introduced to ensure communities continue to have reasonable access to cash facilities.

Moate has been without a round-the-clock ATM since the closure of the local Bank of Ireland branch more than three years ago, meaning residents must rely on in-store machines that are only accessible during shop opening hours.

In his response to Cllr Farrell, the Minister confirmed that while the new legislation is now in place, the Central Bank of Ireland is currently working to develop the detailed framework that will underpin the new system for protecting access to cash.

This includes setting national targets for ATM and cash service coverage, gathering data on existing cash infrastructure, and establishing a process to identify areas where access to cash may be inadequate.

Cllr Farrell said this work will be crucial in determining where additional services may be required.

“The legislation has now been passed, but the Central Bank is currently developing the framework that will guide how access to cash is monitored and protected,” he said.

“I contacted the Minister to seek an update on that process because I believe towns like Moate should be firmly on the radar as these measures are being put in place.”

The Act will require the Central Bank to ensure that a high percentage of the population is within a specified distance of an ATM and cash service point. It will also allow regulators to examine local deficiencies where communities may still lack adequate access to cash.

Cllr Farrell said Moate is a strong example of the type of town that should be considered under that process.

“At present, people often have to travel to Athlone to access a 24-hour ATM, as there are none available locally or in nearby towns such as Clara or Kilbeggan,” he said.

“Moate serves a large rural hinterland and the lack of a 24-hour ATM has been a real concern for residents and local businesses.”

Cllr Farrell said he will continue raising the issue through Westmeath County Council and at national level as the new framework is developed.

“It’s important that towns like Moate are considered as this process moves forward,” he said.

“Access to cash remains extremely important for many people and for local businesses across our community.”