Officials in the Republic of Ireland have confirmed they will scrap air travel tax from April next year.

The move has been welcomed by business leaders who hope it will boost tourism in the country.

However, analysts suggest the decision may harm airports north of the border in Northern Ireland.

The tax presently stands at €3 per passenger.

In Northern Ireland, air passenger duty is £13 per passenger.

However, air tax on long-haul flights has already been abolished over fears it was threatening services to New York.