The makers of Stars Wars blockbusters are to return to Ireland once again after deciding to shoot scenes for the new movie in Co Donegal.

Location scouts secretly visited Ireland’s most northerly point at Malin Head last October.

Minister of State at the Department of Arts Joe McHugh confirmed he was aware that negotiations are at an advanced stage for filming scenes in the area.

“There are still a few things to be sorted with the department including foreshore licenses but I’m confident that will be taken care of,” said Mr McHugh

“This will be a massive opportunity to promote the area globally and . . . I would welcome it.

“I would also see it as a superb opportunity to highlight the Wild Atlantic Way and all it has to offer.”

Episode VIII

The latest instalment of the Stars Wars story Episode VII: The Force Awakens, the world’s highest grossing movie, was partially filmed on the Kerry island of Skellig Michael.

The cast and crew are filming the first scenes of Episode VIII in Kerry.

Filming in Co Donegal is expected to last more than a month.

But the tourism spin-offs from the locations to be included in the latest Star Wars epic are expected to be huge.

Already a number of bed and breakfasts and rental homes in the Malin Head area have been booked out by film crews working with Lucasfilm.