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.

Mr O’Connell said retailers should also be obliged to keep the name and address of all purchasers in case the guns were used in criminal activity.

“Some of them are very sophisticated looking. To be honest I would like to see them taken off the shelves,” Mr O’Connell said.

Supt Barry McPolin admitted that the replica weapons “looked very realistic”.

He confirmed that gardaí routinely test them to ensure they cannot fire with a force which could lead to serious injury or loss of life.

To date, gardaí have not found a replica weapon in any of the shops which could pose a threat to the public.

However, replica firearms have been used on occasions around the country for criminal purposes.