One of the most notorious of the UDA's so-called brigades is effectively splitting from the other five units of the paramilitary group and is now working for a future based on community involvement.
The South-East Antrim Brigade claimed yesterday that it wants to disband and redirect its activities into local development.
The announcement was made yesterday by independent loyalist councillor Tommy Kirkham, who said the brigade would require more than £8 million (€11.83 million) to help complete the transformation locally.
Mr Kirkham has unveiled policy strategies aimed at diverting the UDA unit away from all forms of paramilitary activity.
Beyond Conflict, a new development plan, is said to have the backing of the leadership of the brigade and signifies the split of one of the UDA's most active and lethal groups away from the mainstream.
It aims to tackle paramilitary activity, racism, sectarian violence at interfaces, drugs and crime, and poverty.
It also outlines a series of business plans, as well as policy positions on policing, decommissioning and criminality.
"We believe that with Beyond Conflict as a transformation mechanism, and working in partnership with those from a paramilitary background, we can succeed in bringing about an end to all paramilitary activity and structures within a five-year period," Mr Kirkham told a press launch in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim.
It is understood the call for funding is not directly liked to the ending of paramilitary activity.
The UDA brigade says it is fully supportive of Beyond Conflict and is willing to "assist former UDA members to disengage from conflict, develop dialogue and partnership within local communities through traditional community development and processes".