Belfast city councillors tonight backed plans to award £100,000 towards the organising costs of this years St. Patrick's day parade.
They voted by 25 to 24 in favour of awarding the cash for the March 17th outdoor carnival event.
Organisers praised the decision to give the assistance for the first time in the parade's history, describing it as a major breakthrough in a nine-year-long campaign for recognition.
Conor Maskey, a member of the Belfast St Patrick's Day Carnival Committee, said: "It was glaring that, previous to the mid to late 90s, the second-largest city on the island of Ireland had done nothing to celebrate its patron saint.
"We welcome the council's decision to fund this year's event to the tune of £100,000. However, we are acutely aware that there is more work to do in terms of lobbying to make 2007 and beyond even bigger, brighter and better."
The event has long been a source of huge contention between the city's two traditions.
Unionists have objected to tricolours being flown on the day, claiming that the carnival does little to represent their community. Last year city councillors decided against granting £30,000 towards the costs of the 2005 parade.
But after discussions with organisers, the authority has voted to give their backing for the event, to be held at Customs House Square.
PA