Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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139. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Carlingford Lough Commission can avail of the shared Island civic fund for the maintenance of navigational equipment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36683/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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141. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are any funding streams available for the Carlingford Lough Commission for the maintenance of navigational equipment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36717/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 141 together.

While the Shared Island Fund is administered by the Department of the Taoiseach, my Department also plays an active role in delivering on the objectives of the Shared Island Initiative, including through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund (SICSF).

The SICSF supports cross-border partnerships between civic society organisations, and we receive applications for funding from a wide range of organisations, operating in many different sectors. .

While it would be open to the Carlingford Commission, as a civic society organisation, to apply for funding, (noting that the current Q2 2025 round is now closed for applications), it is important to point out that grants cannot be awarded to cover core operational or capital costs. Only direct project or programme work is eligible for funding, up to a maximum of €50,000.

I want to take this opportunity to commend the Carlingford Commission for its important work, and to say that we would of course be happy to consider any future application for funding for qualifying activities.