Gardaí seize imitation guns in Mountmellick
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TWO imitation firearms have been seized by gardaí near a property in Mountmellick.
The airsoft guns, which were deemed to be non-viable, were recovered by gardaí on Wednesday.
Gardaí confirmed today that officers on mobile patrol called to a residence in the town and recovered two airsoft firearms nearby.
However, gardaí dismissed local rumours that genuine firearms were uncovered during drain clearance in the town centre.
Rumours circulating this week suggested that six firearms were found by workers, while they were clearing drains in Emmet Street on Wednesday.
According to one resident, three guns, two shotguns and a rifle were found “wrapped in plastic and concealed in a drain”.
The local reports and speculation were rejected by gardaí, who said that the seizure consisted of imitation firearms.
In response to a query from the , gardaí said in a statement today: ‘Gardaí on mobile patrol attended a residence in Mountmellick, Co Laois, on Wednesday 23 September and recovered two (airsoft) imitation firearms located nearby.
‘The airsoft guns were deemed to be non-viable and were seized by An Garda Síochána. Following a search of the area, no other firearms were located. No additional information is available.’
Airsoft guns are legal in Ireland, provided they meet specific requirements such as a muzzle energy of one joule or less, but they cannot be carried in public at any time.
They are classed as ‘real imitation firearms’ (RIFs) under the Firearms Acts. Penalties for carrying them in public include a fine of up to €5,000 and up to five years in prison.
