Inishbofin island is to get air links for the first time, 20 years after it was first proposed.

The airstrip is to be built near Clifden, Co Galway ensuring flights in and out of the island, home to 200 residents, 9km off the north Connemara coast.

Eamon O’Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, agreed funding worth €4.3 million for the work to begin on the airstrip.

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"This has been a long time coming - 20 years in fact - and I for one am delighted that we have finally reached this pivotal stage," he said.

"I am confident that this airstrip will be a major driver for economic development in the region."

The airlinks are expected to drive tourism on the island, its main industry, and is reward for 20 years of hard lobbying by Paul Hughes, chairman of the Clifden and Connemara group.

"Hopefully they will call the airstrip Alcock and Brown Airport when it is finished. A lot of people on the ground are talking about it but the final decision will rest with the minister," Mr Hughes said.

The area earned worldwide fame after pioneering aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown landed there following an historic flight over the Atlantic in 1919.

(DW/JM)