368 gun certificates approved in Foyle

THE gun has been relatively successfully removed from politics in Northern Ireland but there are still plenty of firearms in Londonderry with a total of 368 certificates granted in the Foyle Area Command last year.

A total of two hundred and thirty two shotguns, 52 air weapons, 50 rifles and 10 handguns were licensed by the PSNI in 2009.

Twenty four miscellaneous weapons ranging from sound moderators and barrels to humane slaughter instruments were also signed off by the PSNI.

But a document released by the PSNI under Freedom of Information legislation revealed that only 44 of these firearms certificates were new with the majority being renewal certificates.

It stated: “The total number of firearm certificates issued in the Foyle Area Command in 2009 is 178. Of these 44 were new grants and 134 were further grants.”

Under existing firearms legislation here the Chief Constable must be satisfied a would-be gun holder is not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, is not of intemperate habits or unsound mind and is not, for any reason, unfit to be entrusted with a firearm.

Applicants must also have a good reason for purchasing, acquiring or having in their possession the firearm or ammunition in respect of which the application is made.

The Chief Constable must also be happy the applicant can be permitted to have that firearm or ammunition in their possession without danger to public safety or to the peace.