A recent Belfast Telegraph report has revealed that the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) firearms licensing system is now running at a substantial deficit—costing £2 million more per year than it receives in fees. This marks a dramatic increase from the figures highlighted in the 2018 Northern Ireland Audit Office report, which estimated the system's total cost at £1.6 million, offset by just £1.3 million in income—a shortfall of £300,000 at that time.

This widening financial gap is deeply concerning—not only for the public purse but also for the tens of thousands of lawful firearms users across Northern Ireland who rely on a licensing regime that is functional, efficient, and fair.

On 16 January 2017, the PSNI Firearms and Explosives Branch (FEB) launched a pioneering new online application system. However, this move was met with concern, particularly due to the lack of stakeholder engagement, as noted by many in the shooting and rural communities. Countryside Alliance Ireland continue to support the transition, as it can streamline applications, reduce administrative costs, and improve turnaround times for grants, renewals, and variations.

Unfortunately, the reality has fallen far short of these aims.

Despite initial improvements when the new system was introduced proving its potential, users now report lengthy delays, poor communication, and inconsistent decision-making. From Countryside Alliance Ireland’s perspective, the issue is not one of IT or revenue—it is a matter of management.

The Firearms and Explosives Branch continues to face significant staffing challenges. At the same time, resources have been diverted to side projects, including collaborative research with Queen’s University and the widely criticised magazine debacle further degrading service standards. These developments have occurred in parallel with soaring costs. The fact that the deficit has increased more than six-fold since 2018 raises serious concerns around the management of the digital transition and the governance of the licensing system.

These failings have previously boiled over culminating in the PSNI declaring a critical incident in regard to FEBs backlog of around 3000 applications in July 2022.

Law-abiding firearms owners—including hunters, sport shooters, pest controllers, and farmers—are being failed by a system no longer fit for purpose. Many of these individuals rely on timely access to firearms for their livelihoods, land management, and recreational activities—all of which contribute meaningfully to Northern Ireland’s rural economy and conservation efforts.

Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance Ireland, said:

“We reiterate our strong opposition to any proposal to increase firearms licensing fees until a full, independent review has been carried out into the current process, all internal policies are made public, and a service level agreement and minimum staffing levels are agreed.

The PSNI and Department of Justice must examine why the promised savings from the online system have not materialised, and why costs continue to rise without a corresponding improvement in service delivery.” 

Countryside Alliance Ireland calls for the immediate establishment of a PSNI Gold Command stakeholder working group, including representatives from the shooting community, to help shape a sustainable and accountable future for firearms licensing.

Northern Ireland's rural communities deserve a system that works—not one that punishes responsible firearms users for bureaucratic failures.