Name: Foyle Port Chief Executive Ian Luney has told MLAs that the harbour is set to better a record-breaking 2026 with the number of liners visiting the city set to increase by 64 per cent next year.
Uploaded: 2026-10-26T14:40:19.000Z
Duration: 17 s
Description: Foyle Port Chief Executive Ian Luney has told MLAs that the harbour is set to better a record-breaking 2026 with the number of liners visiting the city set to increase by 64 per cent next year.

Foyle Port Chief Executive Ian Luney has told MLAs that the harbour is set to better a record-breaking 2026 with the number of liners visiting the city set to increase by 64 per cent next year.

“Our cruise numbers have gone up from 22 this year to 36 next year and could increase with the right infrastructure in place and that's aligned with our NI strategy around tourism and a regionally balanced economy,” Mr. Luney told the Stormont Infrastructure Committee.

Last month the Port confirmed the 2026 cruise season brought close to 19,000 passengers to the North West, generating an economic impact of over £1.1m.

Next year it is expected to welcome 36 ships to the Port with 25,000 passengers forecast.

First cruise ship of the season Le Lapérouse, which had its inaugural call earlier this year.

placeholder image — First cruise ship of the season Le Lapérouse, which had its inaugural call earlier this year.

Cruise tourism remains an important part of the harbour’s business.

"We are a Port City, and cruise tourism remains an important opportunity within Foyle Port’s wider Atlantic gateway role,” wrote Ryan McCready in his chairman’s statement in the Port’s annual report for the year to March 31, 2026.

"The Port has historic credibility in this area, having supported Northern Ireland’s inaugural cruise destination at Lisahally in 1995.

"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,” he stated.

It has long been an ambition of the Port and Harbour commissioners to see a multi-million euro deep water terminal for cruise ships developed at Greencastle.