Rural communities, farmers, lawful firearms users, and small businesses across Northern Ireland have raised serious concerns about the Department of Justice consultation on firearms licensing fees and changes to the banded system. Yet the response received from Alliance Party representatives suggests those concerns are not being heard.
Instead of addressing the issues raised, such as excessive fee increases, long delays, lack of transparency and the impact on rural livelihoods, the reply simply repeats the Minister’s position that the consultation is about seeking views and ensuring the PSNI Firearms & Explosives Branch is “appropriately funded.”
That misses the point entirely. Nobody disputes the need for a safe and effective licensing system. The real concern is why lawful certificate holders are being asked to pay dramatically more for a service that many believe is already failing. Applicants continue to face long waits, backlogs remain unresolved, and costs have risen sharply without any clear evidence of improved performance.
Rural people expected answers to legitimate questions:
None of these concerns were addressed.
For many in the countryside, firearms are not a luxury or hobby—they are tools of work. They are used for pest control, livestock protection, land management and personal safety in isolated areas. Shooting also supports jobs, tourism and local businesses. Yet the Alliance response gives little indication that these realities are understood or valued.
Simply stating that another MLA will “engage with stakeholders” over the coming months is not enough. Rural communities need action, not stock responses. They need elected representatives who recognise the practical impact these proposals will have on working people and small businesses.
This reply will be seen by many as further evidence that rural voters are being dismissed and their concerns treated as secondary. If Alliance wants support beyond urban centres, it must start listening seriously to countryside voices rather than defending flawed proposals by default.
The message from rural Northern Ireland is clear: fix the licensing system first, ensure transparency and accountability, and only then discuss costs. Anything less is unfair and out of touch.