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Irish Firearms Certificate Waiting Times Survey Results 30th April 2024

The below has been shared with us by the moderators on the boards.ie shooting forum. First, we would like to thank them for creating this survey and sharing the results with us. Secondly, we want to point out that NO personally identifiable information has been shared with us. The data is anonymised and in keeping with GDPR rules.

Counties with responses(proportion of overall responses):
Cork (15.1%)
Kildare (15.1%)
Dublin (12.3%)
Wicklow (11%)
Galway (6.8%)
Tipperary (5.5%)
Westmeath (5.5%)
Donegal (4.1%)
Kerry (4.1%)
Limerick (4.1%)
Mayo (2.7%)
Wexford (2.7%)
Carlow (1.4%)
Clare (1.4%)
Laois (1.4%)
Louth (1.4%)
Meath (1.4%)
Roscommon (1.4%)
Sligo (1.4%)
Waterford (1.4%)

A few notes about the survey and the results included in this document:


● This data is correct and up to date as of 30.4.2024.


● Of the counties with enough data to give a decent average of paperwork being lost,
only 25% did not have any reported instances of
paperwork(applications/renewals/substitutions) being lost.


● Overall in terms of satisfaction throughout all the 20 responding counties there is an
average of 43.29% satisfaction in terms of firearms licencing.


● Counties with no responses as of the creation of this report:
○ Cavan
○ Kilkenny
○ Leitrim
○ Longford
○ Monaghan
○ Offaly


● If anyone reading this document would like to take part in this survey, especially from
the counties above, the link is here: https://forms.gle/xpjPB1gfKu8evS9KA


● This survey is completely anonymous, and thus no personally identifiable information
relating to the respondents, including but not limited to: email addresses, phone
numbers, names, etc is gathered or retained.


● At the end of the counties in this document are aggregated responses from all
counties which answered optional written questions as part of the form. They were
aggregated, randomised and in some circumstances edited or withheld to protect the
anonymity of respondents. This is both for reasons of personal security for those who
responded but also out of a concern of reprisals by An Garda Siochana as noted by
several respondents who were concerned their future licensing may be jeopardised.


● This document was requested by FUNI (Firearms United Ireland), who are to date
the only organisation who have requested any information or data gathered by the
survey. All enquiries are welcome and the form’s home and up to date responses can
be found at:


https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058304131/firearms-certificate-waiting-times-survey/p1

Cork

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in
months)?
2.5


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
4.5


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
1
How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
1.75


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
2


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
36% responded with yes

Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied:
6

Kildare

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in
months)?
1.7


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
1.24


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data

How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
1.16


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
0.5


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
1.54


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
36% responded with yes


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied:
7.54

Dublin

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in
months)?
1.5


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
2


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
1.12


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
5.83


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
1.25


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
3.05


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
44% responded with yes


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
4.44

Wicklow

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in
months)?
1.09


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
0.5


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
1.1


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
0.5


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
0.86


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
1


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
1.02


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
42% responded with yes


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
6.75

Galway

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in
months)?
2.3


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
1


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
0.83


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
1


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
0.62


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
2.2


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
20% responded with yes


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
5.2

Tipperary

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in
months)?
2.5


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
2.37


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
2


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
25% responded with yes


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
3.5

Westmeath

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in
months)?
5.25


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
4


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
5.66


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
4.12


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
0% responded with yes!


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
3.5

Donegal

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
8.66


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
3


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
2


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
5


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
3


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
4.33


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
66% responded with yes


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
1.66

Kerry

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
4.5


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
3.5


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
1


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
2.33


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
0% responded with yes!


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
2

Limerick

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
3.5


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
1.5


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
3.75


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
3


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
2.5


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
2.33


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
66% responded with yes


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
0

Mayo

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
0.5


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
5.25


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
1.5


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
50% responded with yes


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
3.5

Wexford

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
1.15


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
1.15


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
0% responded with yes!


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
7.5

Carlow

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
2


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
2


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
2


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
8


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
4


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
Too few respondents for a reasonable average.


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
1

Clare

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
2


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
3


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
3


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
3


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
4


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
Too few respondents for a reasonable average.


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
5

Laois

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
5


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
6


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
4


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
8


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
1


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
2


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
4.5


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
Too few respondents for a reasonable average.


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
0

Louth

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
0.75


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
0.5


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
1


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
Too few respondents for a reasonable average.


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
10

Meath

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
1.25


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
1.25


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
Too few respondents for a reasonable average.


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
9

Roscommon

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
3


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
3


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
1


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
1


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
2


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
3


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
Too few respondents for a reasonable average.


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
5

Sligo

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
9


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
2


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
8


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
4


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
Too few respondents for a reasonable average.


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
1

Waterford

How long did your most recent new non-restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
3


How long did your most recent new restricted application (not renewal) take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted renewal take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent non-restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


How long did your most recent restricted substitution take (in months)?
No data


On average, how long do your applications and renewals take (in months)?
2


Have any of your applications, renewals or substitutions ever been lost?
Too few respondents for a reasonable average.


Are you satisfied with your district’s firearms licencing (in terms of wait times, issues, overall
quality)?
0 – Not at all satisfied, 5 – Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 10 – Couldn’t be more satisfied
4

The following are aggregated responses from all counties which answered Yes to paperwork being lost

If you answered Yes to your applications/renewals/substitutions being lost can you provide
any more detail on the circumstances and/or resolution?

● No record of form being handed in. New application submitted.
● Rang local station for update, said they lost paperwork, so had to resubmit
everything, luckily I make copies of everything, that was 20 years ago.
● 2 applications were lost in Garda stations(while supposed to be sent to another
station), resulting in new applications having to be submitted.
● 2 applications for a rifle lost, 3rd application in.
● Happened twice, both times restricted paperwork. First it was lost after 6 months and
after chasing the FO it was renewed based on the information in the system. Second
time a new form had to be filled out and still took 2 months after that to be granted.
● New forms supplied promptly.
● Threat of court case, resolved in 1 week.
● This is my first application, it has been 4 months and I still haven’t heard back from
them despite me calling them weekly.
● Rang station, said the application was sent to superintendent… turns out it was lost.

The following are aggregated responses from all counties which had comments about their district

Have you any thoughts or comments about your district’s licencing situation you’d like to
share?

● “A general lack of understanding of legislation on the side of an Garda Siochana
● “In fairness, it runs quite seamlessly. I’ve had new applications, substitutions, and
renewals processed in good time. Renewal forms are sent out months in advance.
● Also have issues with the general gombeens working the counter, but that’s not
firearm specific.
● Being asked for information the gardai do not need ie photographs of rifle scopes(I
refused)”
● Being inspected 3 times in 1 year is ridiculous.
● Best FO I’ve ever had
● Can’t think of any polite way of describing it.
● Current garda who deals with them is great, best in over 30 years. In that time
applications / renewals could take anything up to 9 months. So, the past year since
the new guy has been good, previous to that, pretty crap.
● Don’t be afraid to pick up the ph and speak with your local Supt in person, gets things
sorted straight away and clears up any possible confusion
● Don’t challenge your super if you’re refused a silencer. I reckon that’s why I’m still
waiting on a new application for a shotgun
● Eircode lottery
● Experienced no issues with moderator which I believe can be a hassle in other
districts
● F.L.O’s need to be more educated on firearms laws.
● Fairly good overall.
● Far too slow with zero updates at any stage, never had an application take less than
6 months
● Firearms officers could do with training
● From online threads/info it seems to be totally hit and miss across the country. The
system or personnel need a major overhaul.
● Have had the house and firearms inspected a number of times over the years without
a problem.
● I applied for my first licence for a 10/22 on a Sunday, received an acknowledgment
letter on Tuesday, received a phone call from F/A officer on Saturday and received a
grant letter on Wednesday. 10 days!
● I go straight to the super’s civilian admin person and she has it on his desk in 2 days
for signing, licence approval within a week, actual licence another week later. Cut out
the useless uninterested Garda at the public counter who “file” it for months before
someone finds it!!
● it comes down to a lack of accountability
● Kildare is split into 2 areas, one is far superior to the other in terms of licensing.
● Local gardai in Tipperary feel they make the law instead of following the current
firearms law, they have told multiple people in the town that they are only allowed 3
non restricted and one restricted firearm per household. They have strong armed
multiple people into substituting firearms when they surpassed the so-called “law”
above.
● Mine was ignored for the guts of 2 months, talked to FO and then it was signed off in
about 2 days. Was called once by FO and never contacted again, not even called in
for an interview.
● My biggest issue is with my local station not being open full time, so I have to go to
area hq to submit. I refuse to submit anything without a receipt.
● Needs more standards to work to as opposed to an officer deciding with his/hers own
personal opinion as to what calibres you can have. Streamline the service online.
Having lived in the UK, The license system is miles ahead in many respects although
it does still have its pitfalls, a combination/amalgamation of both systems would work
well with a few tweaks.
● Never had the same person dealing with me on any consecutive occasions
● No just send them good reason why you need the firearm and the applicable ammo
amount.
● Over the past few years the licencing situation has improved a lot in County Wicklow.
● Previous Superintendent would not give me more than 200 cartridges for clay
shooting even after a meeting and a folder of evidence of my clay competition history
which he would not look at, new super on renewal upped my 200 to 500 no quibble
and turnaround time was a third of before. Previous super also would not allow me
licence a second shotgun end of story , luckily retired now. There is too much power
with these people and personally I was afraid if I went to court to get more
ammunition he would refuse my renewal and I can’t afford to jeopardise my hobby .
New super seems reasonable so all is good now.
● Properly educated on how it works, I’ve often had to explain to my local garda who’s
over the firearms licencing and the law , And to be fair on his part he does the back
ground checks and that quick it’s when the superintendent must sign it off is the slow
part you have to keep ringing for updates or it won’t be done at all
● Renewal never arrives before the end of the current certificate. Usually 3 months
later and is backdated to the date of expiration of the old certificate. Dog licence
current as and from date of issue, even time ! Tv licence, current from date of issue.
Who are AGS fooling ? No date on grant certificate.
● The administration of the renewals can be a little frustrating e.g. S for moderator
agreed but not on the licence. Also the requested number of rounds reduced but not
explained. All dealt with by a phone call and issue of updated licence. Local firearms
Gardaí very good, but admin at HQ opportunities for improvement.
● The FO promote issues confirmation letter. Grants received within 3 weeks so credit
where credit is due. Dublin based.
● The licensing has been very inconsistent with the last Superintendent (i.e. one
person could get licensed for a suppressor for instance, whereas the next person
would have a home visit, medical checks etc for no apparent reason. This Super has
now retired so hopefully the licensing will become more uniform. The number of
rounds on licence at 100 is quite low after looking for 500
● The system needs a complete overhaul
● There is zero communication between guards (apparently) and zero communication
between the guard in my local station and me. They are impossible to get in contact
with. I’m not sure what it is like for anyone else but this is a joke.
● They have a civil servant clerk that processes the application (the Garda do the
official bits like vetting and final sign off) it seemed to keep things moving – with the
official parts taking the time due to shift patterns i think.
● To many different people involved – made to feel like a criminal even on renewal after
50 plus years of having firearms.
● Very fast turn around and the Garda FO is very good to make contact to provide info
on application progress
● Very inconsistent supers making up there own rules and constant changing of supers
● We should get a receipt when we hand in the application/renewal form and the clock
should start from that moment.
● We should have a swipe card in order to substitute a licence on the day in the
gunshop
● Wicklow is pretty good
● Wish they wouldn’t sit on a pile of them in the station until the 3month go date is upon
them to drop them into the district office. I get mine in within 72 hours of it landing in
the letter box back to the sub station by hand delivery, so I know it is with them. It sits
in the sub station IN tray from then.

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