Foyle Port navigates swirling global supply chains and energy markets to record robust financial position

Ian Luney, the Port’s new Chief Executive who took over from Brian McGrath in March, described the harbour’s financial performance as ‘very solid’ in the first annual report to bear his name which has been newly published.

"Our accounts for the year ended March 31, 2026 indicate a turnover of £15m with a £4m operating profit, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of £6m,” he advises.

Turnover was up marginally from £15,219,168 in 2025 to £15,308,484 the report shows. Operating profit was down slightly from £4,421,014 to £3,929,001.

This was achieved in the face of a ‘challenging and evolving economic environment’ globally, Mr. Luney observes.

"Despite ongoing pressures affecting global supply chains, energy and fuel markets, and trade flows, Foyle Port has demonstrated resilience and adaptability.

"We have facilitated the import/export of 2.3m tonnes of bulk cargoes, reflecting a modest reduction on our record trading levels of 2024/25.

"This resilience, underpinned by our diverse revenue portfolio, strong customer relationships, and commitment to operational excellence have enabled us to maintain performance and continue investing in the future of the Port,” he writes.

Ryan McCready, in his Chairman’s statement, pointed to a strong financial performance following a record-breaking 2024/25 at Lisahally.

Last year the port handled more goods than at any time in its history with a 25 per cent increase between 2023/24 and 2024/25.

This has been sustained, Mr. McCready confirms.

"Although trade volumes reduced slightly from the previous year’s record levels, the Port remained resilient, commercially effective and strategically well positioned,” he maintains.

Mr. McCready indicates the commissioners are moving forward with a strategy of ‘using land, marine access, proximity to energy and digital infrastructure, and governance capacity to support sustainable regional development across energy, logistics, data and AI infrastructure’.

Cruise tourism remains another important growth area.

Mr. Luney says this potential is ‘very significant’ and promises to ‘work with stakeholders, North and South, to explore cruise infrastructure opportunities which will maximise the benefits of a deep-water berth facility for cruise tourism and emerging offshore renewable opportunities’.

For some years Foyle Port has been pursuing the development of a permanent cruise terminal in Greencastle.

In his Chairman’s statement Mr. McCready suggests: “Future growth, including the Shared Island opportunity at Greencastle, will depend on continued partnership with Donegal County Council and shared recognition of the Foyle’s distinctive cross-border tourism potential.

"Foyle Port stands ready to work constructively with partners to help progress that opportunity where it supports the Port’s wider Atlantic gateway role and long-term regional value.”

Mr. Luney reports that following another successful year fixed assets total £46m. The port held £12m in cash and investments at March 31.

"This robust financial position ensures that we continue to have a strong foundation for investment in infrastructure, facilities, and services. In addition, as a Trust Port, we are committed to reinvesting the surpluses for the benefit of the Port, its stakeholders and the wider regional economy.

"In the year 2025/26 we invested £5m in capital projects and expect to deliver a further £14m over the next three years. This long-term approach ensures that we remain well positioned to capture future opportunities and manage emerging challenges,” he observes.