The Justice Minister has announced that controversial proposals to dramatically increase firearms licensing fees in Northern Ireland have been ditched, following fierce backlash from the rural community.
The proposals would have seen the cost of a standard five-year firearm certificate rise from £98 to £250 – an increase of more than 150 percent. Other associated fees would also rise significantly as part of the Department’s move towards what it described as “full cost recovery” for the firearms licensing system.
Countryside Alliance Ireland, which spearheaded a campaign in opposition to the drastic fee hike, welcomed the move.
Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance Ireland, said:
“Lawful firearms ownership is an essential part of life in many rural communities. It supports pest control, livestock protection, conservation work, land management and sporting activity, while contributing significantly to the wider rural economy. The proposed fee increases risked placing an unfair additional burden on responsible certificate holders who already operate within one of the most tightly regulated systems in the UK. We are pleased the Justice Minister has listened to our concerns on this occasion. Bad proposals that harm our countryside must always be challenged robustly”.
For years, farmers, gamekeepers, sporting shooters and others who rely on firearms as part of rural life have faced frustrating delays, inconsistent communication and a licensing process that often falls far short of what users should reasonably expect. Many applicants have experienced lengthy waits for renewals and variations, causing unnecessary stress and uncertainty. While users were promised a more efficient service through modernisation and digital systems, many feel these improvements have yet to materialise in any meaningful way.
Countryside Alliance Ireland will continue to campaign for much needed improvements to the system.