Tiny Island to get first air links

Inishbofin island is to get air links for its 200 inhabitants, 20 years after it was first proposed, it was revealed today.

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

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

“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.

It is also hoped air links will ensure the area continues to attract high numbers of tourists.

Work on the Inishbofin airstrip and buildings has been completed and construction on the Clifden airstrip is expected to begin later this year.

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

Paul Hughes, chairman of the Clifden and Connemara group, said the development comes after 20 years of hard lobbying.

“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 small island of Inishbofin is just 6km long with the local economy mainly driven by tourism, farming and fishing. It is also an important wildlife haven and is home to breeding grounds for many species of birds including the threatened Corncrake.