Under section 10 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023, which has been commenced with effect from 1 August 2023, it is no longer possible to obtain new certificates and those issued since 18 September 2015 have been revoked with effect from 1 November 2023.

The change does not affect certificates first issued before 18 September 2015, which can also be renewed provided all other legal requirements are met.

The Department of Justice said the measure has been introduced “on public safety grounds” and would affect a “very small number of licenced firearms holders”.

Those affected by the change have been advised to contact their local Garda station.