No, spearguns are prohibited under Ireland’s Firearms Acts (1925–2009) and the Wildlife Act 1976, classifying them as restricted weapons without a valid firearms certificate. Recent Garda enforcement directives (2024) target illegal speargun possession, particularly in coastal regions where recreational fishing occurs. Penalties include fines up to €5,000 and imprisonment for unlicensed use.
Key Regulations for Spearguns in Ireland
- Firearms certification: Requires a valid Firearms Certificate from the Garda Síochána, which spearguns typically fail to qualify for due to their classification as offensive weapons.
- Wildlife restrictions: The Wildlife Act 1976 bans spearguns for hunting marine species, aligning with EU Habitats Directive protections for coastal ecosystems.
- Import/export controls: Customs (Revenue Commissioners) enforces EU Firearms Directive (2017/853) prohibitions, mandating prior authorization for any speargun-related cross-border movement.
Local authorities, including the Marine Institute and Inland Fisheries Ireland, collaborate with An Garda Síochána to monitor compliance, particularly in areas like Cork Harbour and Galway Bay where spearfishing is prevalent. The 2026 review of the Firearms Acts may further tighten restrictions, with proposed amendments targeting “improvised” or modified spearguns under Section 4 of the principal legislation.