Officials have been urged to reconsider its decision to dramatically reduce the number of cruise ships allowed to dock at Dublin Port.
Last year, 150 cruise liners docked at the port, with the number expected to increase to 160 this year.
It is estimated that the cruise industry is worth €50 million to Irish tourism.
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But last month Dublin Port announced the number of ships allowed to dock will be reduced to 80 from 2021 while redevelopment works are carried out.
The Cruise Lines International Association [Clia] expressed disappointment at the decision.
Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland Director, said: “With growing popularity among Irish holidaymakers and such striking passenger numbers, it is disappointing that Dublin port is reducing the number of cruise liners it will host.
"Last year saw 150 ships call to Dublin Port and we expect this to rise to over 160 by the end of 2019.
"However, from 2021, only 80 will be permitted by Dublin Port.
"This is a major blow to the choice of cruise available to Irish holidaymakers."
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Officials said the decision to reduce the number of cruise ships was in response to an increase in cargo ships docking at the port.
The need for increased customs checks after Brexit were also cited as a factor.
Fianna Fail's Dublin Spokesperson, John Lahart, said limiting the number of cruise ships to allow more cargo vessels would stifle growth.
He said: “In 2018, 150 ships docked at Dublin Port and that the number is expected to have risen by the end of this year.
"Based on the current plans only half of those will be given a booking and be permitted into Dublin Port.
"This will have a considerable effect on the volume of tourists coming to our capital and that is a concern.
“I appreciate that we must be prepared for greater customs checks post-Brexit and that both imports and exports are essential to our economy but if cruise ships bypass Dublin they will potentially bypass Ireland altogether.
“A better balance must be reached and to do that the ability to expand the port in Dublin to accommodate more cruise ships and customs checks, need to be considered.”
A spokesman for Dublin Port said the restrictions will be in place for three years while major construction works on a 400 metre quay wall at Alexandra Quay West are carried out.
He added: "As regards the long-term, we have planning permission to develop new berths suitable for cruise ships immediately east of the Tom Clarke Bridge at an estimated cost of €100m.
"This is the subject of a cost benefit analysis study which is currently underway and which will be finished by mid-year.
"We intend publishing this study as part of a public consultation process (including with the cruise industry) to ensure that a €100m investment by Dublin Port would be viable.
"Subject to the outcome of this process, the new berths would be constructed in 2024 / 2025 and be available in 2026."
