No, owning a flamethrower in Ireland is prohibited under the Firearms Act 1925 (as amended) and the Control of Explosives Precursors Regulations 2015. The Garda Síochána enforces these restrictions, classifying flamethrowers as prohibited weapons unless licensed for agricultural or industrial use. Recent 2026 EU-wide security directives further tighten controls on high-risk incendiary devices.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Ireland
- Prohibition under Firearms Act 1925: Flamethrowers are classified as “firearms” or “offensive weapons,” requiring a Garda permit, which is rarely granted for civilian ownership.
- Explosives Precursors Compliance: The Control of Explosives Precursors Regulations 2015 (S.I. No. 272/2015) restricts access to fuels and oxidizers used in flamethrowers, mandating Garda notification for purchases.
- EU Security Directive (2026): Ireland’s transposition of EU Directive 2024/1275 bans the sale of high-powered incendiary devices to private individuals, aligning with broader counter-terrorism measures.
Penalties for unauthorized possession include fines up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment under Section 27 of the Firearms Act. Agricultural or industrial operators may apply for exemptions via the Department of Justice, subject to rigorous Garda vetting and technical inspections.