The Carlingford Ferry will not operate during 2026. South Down MLA Diane Forsythe said the decision removes a key tourism link and affects businesses that rely on visitors arriving by the route.

Forsythe stated that the service had become a tourism draw in its own right and introduced thousands of visitors to Carlingford Lough. She said she had raised concerns about support levels from tourism bodies and the Department for the Economy at the Economy Committee three months ago.

Forsythe called the lack of urgency disappointing and noted that the upcoming Narrow Water Bridge project appears to have reduced attention given to the ferry. She said both the bridge and the ferry could operate together.

The announcement will affect local residents, visitors and staff who have worked on the service for years. Forsythe thanked the staff for their professionalism and commitment.