The future of an all-Ireland centre for children with autism was boosted after the Irish government overturned a decision to halt funding.
There were fears for the future of the Middletown Centre for Autism in Co Armagh after Irish Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe announced in May that he was freezing funding.
But at a meeting of ministers from the Republic and Northern Ireland in Limavady, Co Londonderry, it was confirmed funding had now been freed-up to continue with plans to expand the project.
The decision rescues plans to expand the facility allowing it to take in children to be assessed and supported at the centre.
The centre currently trains autism professionals.
The centre was approved in 2002 and it is understood that £6m has already been spent on it.
Education Minister Caitriona Ruane confirmed an updated plan for future development of the Middletown Autism Centre will now go ahead as soon as possible.
The minister added: "Middletown will be dedicated to improving and enriching the educational opportunities of children and young people with autism."
Building was due to begin next year on its expansion plans, which include a residential block.
© Press Association