Northern Ireland to consult on general licences
17th December 2021
DAERA is to revoke existing general licences in Northern Ireland, replacing with interim licences prior to launching a public consultation.
BASC Northern Ireland Centre, 33 Castle Street, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT27 4SP
Telephone: 02892 60 50 50
The BASC Northern Ireland team is fully committed to delivering a premium service to BASC members, which is why we have a ‘members first’ approach. We are widely recognised, not only for our success in resolving members’ firearms licensing issues, but also for our wider work on NI firearms and wildlife legislation.
We continue to lead the way in the Northern Ireland Assembly, as evidenced by our work with the All Party Group on Country Sports, which was established by BASC and our elected representatives in January 2013. Our work throughout NI is supported by BASC head office colleagues, which is why BASC is the organisation that is best placed to promote and protect all aspects of shooting sports in Northern Ireland.
Areas covered: County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry, County Tyrone.
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EU lead shot restrictions
The Northern Ireland protocol agreement requires NI to implement the EU REACH regulations on lead shot however the level of implementation has yet to be established.
BASC met with Agriculture and Environment Minister Edwin Poots (MLA) and his officials from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) in late March.
During that meeting, we highlighted the importance of this issue to members and the fact that NI already has its own lead shot regulations, which have been in place since 2009, without problem. That being the case, BASC advised the Minister that we can see no reason to introduce any further restrictions.
The Minister’s officials advised that their consideration of the regulations was still at an early stage, however they could implement an outright ban on the use of lead ammunition by February 2024, although it was recognised that this would be a draconian approach.
Alternatively, NIEA could introduce a 100m buffer zone around our wetlands which would make it illegal to even possess lead shot within the 100m buffer zone. The Minister remains supportive of BASC’s five-year voluntary transition period for lead shot when used for live quarry shooting so we hope the status quo can remain. Whatever the outcome, BASC will work to ensure that any transition period is as smooth as it can possibly be. We will keep members updated as this issue progresses.
Fox survey – Can you help?
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has once again asked for BASC members’ assistance with the collection of fox carcasses.
Every year DAERA collects and tests approximately 320 foxes in order to establish if they carry the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis.
This tapeworm is considered a threat to human health where it occurs in many other parts of the world. Foxes killed by road traffic accidents (RTAs) are collected by DAERA throughout the year, whereas shot foxes are only collected from 1 August to the end of March.
If you can provide shot foxes or foxes that have been killed as a result of an RTA, please contact DAERA on 028 77 442399. Alternatively, you can email the DAERA team at RTAbadger@daera-ni.gov.uk.
DAERA can only test fresh foxes (24-48 hours from being killed).
Travelling to the EU with firearms
Northern Ireland firearm certificate holders need to be aware of measures that will apply when the UK transition period ends. From 1 January 2021, residents of Northern Ireland will still be able to request a European Firearms Pass (EFP) or use one to travel to an EU country, including the Republic of Ireland, with their lawfully owned firearms.
There is a minor change if a NI resident is sponsoring an EU visitor travelling to NI. An application should still be made to PSNI for a visitor permit like now, but the visitor will not be required to produce a valid EFP. Visitor permits issued before the transition period ends will stay valid until they expire.
If you have any further queries regarding your EFP or travelling with firearms, please contact the BASC NI office on 02892 605050, or email nire@basc.org.uk
BASC members travelling on the Larne/Cairnryan Irish Sea route can now take advantage of our new and exclusive discount with P&O Ferries
To book ferry travel please first contact the BASC NI office on 02892 60 50 50, to receive our special BASC members’ P&O discount code and booking hotline telephone number.
On arrival at the port, members will be asked for their BASC membership card and photographic identification to confirm their entitlement to the exclusive discount.
BASC members can get 15% off their bookings with Stena Line
Log in below with your BASC membership number and password for your offer code and booking information:
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