The Countryside Alliance welcomes strong comments from the DUP opposing the Department of Justice’s proposed increase in firearms licensing fees in Northern Ireland.
The DUP has now publicly stated that it will oppose what it has described as an “unjustified” increase in firearms licensing fees, including proposals that would raise some charges by as much as 153%.
This is an important sign that concerns from certificate holders, farmers, rural businesses and countryside supporters are being heard.
For many people in rural Northern Ireland, firearms are not a luxury. They are an essential tool of land management, pest control, livestock protection and legitimate sporting activity. Any attempt to impose dramatic fee increases without first addressing the serious failings within the licensing system is fundamentally unfair.
For years, applicants have faced long delays, poor communication and a lack of confidence in the administration of the firearms licensing process. The move to an online system was supposed to improve efficiency and help deliver cost recovery, yet users have seen little evidence of meaningful improvement while costs continue to rise.
We therefore welcome the DUP’s recognition that there must first be a proper examination of how the Firearms and Explosives Branch operates, including staffing levels, performance, resourcing and value for money. Calls for a full and independent review reflect exactly what the Countryside Alliance has been demanding.
This debate is about more than fees. It is about accountability, transparency and fair treatment for lawful firearms users who already endure an underperforming system.
The Department of Justice should now listen carefully to the growing opposition and pause these proposals until a full review has taken place.
At a time when many farm businesses are already under pressure, imposing excessive fee increases would be unfair, disproportionate and damaging to rural communities.
The Countryside Alliance will continue to press for a licensing system that is efficient, transparent and fair, with fees based on evidence rather than administrative failure.
Together, we can demand fair fees, better service and proper accountability.