The Northern Ireland Executive today agreed to create 11 new local government districts.
The old administration of 26 council areas will be dissolved under the plans, which include powers over housing, tourism and community development.
Planning, rural development, housing and economic regeneration will be among the powers handed down to the so-called super councils.
Stormont ministers today voted for the slimmed-down version by a margin of 7-2.
Sinn Féin dropped its long-standing opposition to the new arrangements, and today's decision is being seen as major progress that paves the way for a shake-up of wider public services.
Minister for the Environment Arlene Foster said the new arrangements would enable councils to more efficiently deliver services.
Local council elections are expected to be held in 2011, two years later than planned, once the Boundary Commission has finalised the districts.