Hopes for return of 24-hour Moate ATM under new law

There are hopes that a new law which took effect this week will lead to the reinstatement of a 24-hour ATM in Moate.

In one of his first acts as the Minister for Finance, Simon Harris signed an order bringing into effect legislation designed to force financial institutions to provide access to cash in towns and villages nationwide.

Welcoming this development, local Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said it represented "good news for Moate town".

He explained that the law, which was passed by the Oireachtas in May, "requires financial institutions to ensure that an ATM machine is located within 10km of the vast majority of homes and businesses".

Minister Moran added that this would be "particularly good news for places like Moate". The town has been without a round-the-clock ATM for the last four years, after the closure of the local Bank of Ireland branch and the removal of its on-street cash machine.

While shoppers can avail of in-store ATM access in Moate, these machines are no longer accessible after the retailers' doors shut each evening.

After the 'access to cash' legislation was passed by the Oireachtas, the Central Bank was asked to undertake a review of ATM and cash services nationwide, a process which has now been completed.

In a statement on the new legislation taking effect, Minister of State Moran said: "This is a vital measure for communities across Ireland, particularly in rural towns and villages that have been impacted by branch closures in recent years.

"Access to cash is not just a convenience - it is a necessity for families, businesses, and older citizens who rely on it day-to-day.

"Ensuring that ATMs are within reach strengthens community resilience and supports local economies."

He said he had been campaigning on this issue for several years and had insisted on access to cash measures being included in the current Programme for Government.

The development this week was also welcomed by Irish Rural Link.

The Moate-based group said it had consistently engaged with Government and the Central Bank to highlight the importance of "maintaining cash as a viable and accessible" payment option.

Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link, said: "People still use cash, and they must continue to have the right to access cash regardless of where they live in the country."

The potential return of a 24-hour ATM in Moate was discussed at a meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District in June, when Cllr Tom Farrell said he was hopeful the new legislation would lead to the return of an on-street cash machine in the town.

"I welcome the new legislation, and the commitment in the Programme for Government to ensure public bodies can accept cash," said Cllr Farrell.

"Both of these moves underpin the Government's belief that cash has a role in our society, and that's very important."

Cllr Vinny McCormack also supported the call for the return of an ATM in Moate to be prioritised.

"Moate has a long history of banking. There were two banks there for an eternity, but they couldn't wait to withdraw their services when the branches were closed," Cllr McCormack commented.