Belfast City Council has agreed to fund a major outdoor event to mark St Patrick's Day next year.
The council has in recent years been criticised for not backing the festival and only last February voted not to grant £30,000 to fund the 2005 parade.
However, in a statement released after its monthly meeting the council said it is "determined to provide an inclusive event which can be enjoyed by everyone in the city, whatever their background."
The council agreed that it should take "a lead role in the planning, designing and delivering of an inclusive ourdoor event as a key event within the Celebrate Belfastprogramme".
It plans to to commit £70,000 towards the event and it aims hold the event in Custom House Square in a purpose-built space.
The council also said the 2006 event should be run as a pilot project and be evaluated independently by an appropriate body to assess its potential to become an annual event within the council’s events calendar.
Councillor Alex Maskey described the council’s decision as "a major step forward" adding "we look forward to working with not only the Carnival Committee but all of the people of Belfast over the months ahead to deliver an event which all of use can enjoy, not only in 2006 but in future years."
