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The requirements the applicant must meet are set forth in section 4 of the Firearms Act and include, amongst others:

A good reason for wanting the firearm. Hunting and target shooting qualify as do certain other activities like humane dispatch of large animals. Personal protection does not qualify as a good reason.
A safe location in which to use the firearm (for target shooting, this must be an authorised shooting range which you must be a member of and which must maintain attendance records for the applicant and which must inform the Gardai should the applicant’s membership end).
The details of the secure storage arrangements for the firearm (which must be inspected by the local Crime Prevention Officer. Minimum standards for secure storage are set out in the Firearms (Secure Accommodation) Regulations 2009 and increase according to the number and type of firearms being stored, but higher standards can be demanded by the Gardai before issuing a licence.
That granting the certificate would not result in a danger to the public or to the peace.
Proof of competency with the firearm or the arrangements to achieve that competency, which are met by prior experience with the firearm, membership of a club where training will be provided, or completion of a training course (however no standard for such a training course has been set and so applicants are strongly advised to check with their local Garda Superintendent or Chief Superintendent (depending on which is being applied to) as to what courses they will accept).
Permission for the Gardai to access the applicants medical records.
Two character references.
If the firearm is a restricted firearm, the applicant must demonstrate that the firearm is the only type of firearm that is appropriate for the purpose for which it is required.

I spent the day with some liberal relatives yesterday.

I’m still shaking the stupid out of my ears.

Did you know that they practically hand out free guns at the door and that there are zero background checks on arms sold at gun shows? LOL