To date in February, 12 firearms have been seized across north Co. Wexford for having expired or invalid licences, according to An Garda Síochána.

Gardaí are currently attending houses known to have expired firearm certificates to seize any that are not covered by a licence.

Gardaí in Wexford have reminded the public that it is a "serious offence" to hold a firearm without a valid licence to do so.

A firearm certificate costs €80 and lasts for three years from the date it was granted unless revoked. The collection of fees are outsourced to An Post and no money is accepted at garda stations.

A renewal form FCA1 must be submitted in order to renew a licence. Failing to comply with this, or any conditions attached to the licence will lead to seizure by gardaí.

The owner can make the changes on the renewal form, if any, and when the form is signed it should then be returned to the local station for consideration.

Any individual wishing to apply for a certificate is advised to consult the Garda Commissioner’s Guidelines as to the Practical Application and Operation of the Firearms Acts, prior to making an application.

These guidelines outline the practical application and operation of any provision of the Firearms Acts or of any regulation made under any provision of those acts.

From the age of 14, individuals can apply for a firearm training certificate. If you only have a training certificate, you cannot own a gun.

However, it is possible to use a non-restricted firearm when hunting or target shooting with a training certificate if supervision is availed of. Supervisors should be over the age of 18 and should hold a certificate for that specific firearm.

Any individual that is not ordinarily resident in Ireland may apply for a Non-Resident Firearm Certificate to allow him/her to shoot recreationally in Ireland with a cost of €40.