Gardaí testing replica guns

Gardaí have said they regularly seize and test replica firearms from four shops in Cork City to see if they pose a threat to the public, but cannot confiscate them unless they are used in a robbery or to threaten.

Gardaí addressed a meeting of the Cork City Joint Policing Committee after concern was expressed by Cllr Mick O’Connell.

Mr O’Connell said he knew of people as young as 12 who had bought replica guns, and he thought the law should be changed to make sure nobody under 18 could buy them.