Imitation firearms, including pistols, rifles and machine guns that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing, are on open sale in a shop in downtown Drogheda.
Aontú representative Michael O’Dowd told Drogheda Life that it had been brought to his attention by worried citizens who feel particularly vulnerable that these imitation weapons are on open display in a shop in Drogheda which we have decided not to name.
Although the sale of Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs) is not illegal, Mr. O’Dowd has reported the matter to both the local Gardaí and the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.
“We have suffered so much from the gang feud over the past few years and it is impossible to tell the difference between these (imitation guns) and the real thing” he said.
“Minister for Justice Helen McEntee needs to take immediate action to regulate the sale of Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIF) on high streets in our towns and cities but especially here in Drogheda” O’Dowd told Drogheda Life.
“Airsoft is a respectable sport and the industry itself has been seeking stricter regulation so that they do not end up in the wrong hands” he said.
“Five years ago, the government opened up a public consultation which has not as yet reported back. This is ludicrous and is potentially putting lives at risk.
“I have been contacted by concerned citizens who believe that the open display of these RIF will lead to casual purchases and impulse buying by people who have no interest in Airsoft sport. Immediate action is needed.”
In his letter to Superintendent Andrew Watters Mr O’Dowd said:
These items are of real concern to citizens in the town who have endured the nightmare of feuding gangs and who marched in such numbers to bring an end to that conflict. It is unacceptable that they are being sold in a shop that also sells mobile phones which attracts young buyers and may lead to impulse purchases
As no doubt you are aware, a significant number of gun crimes committed involve imitation and replica weapons and while use of Airsoft is a respectable sporting endeavour there is no place on our high street for the open display and sales of these replica guns.
A Department of Justice official told Mr. O’Dowd that new sections have been inserted into the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 which provide for regulations relating to Realistic, but have not yet been commenced.
“A ”realistic imitation firearm” is defined as a device that appears to the ordinary observer so realistic as to make it indistinguishable from a firearm – this would include airsoft devices under 1 joule.
“A public consultation was undertaken in 2017 on the controls governing realistic imitation firearms and a number of submissions were received in response to this consultation. At this point in time, nothing in relation to the public consultation has been published.
They also said that the legislation regarding RIFs will be reviewed in accordance with a general review of firearms legislation which is ongoing in the Department in accordance with the Department’s strategy statement and business plan.
