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Communities Minister Paul Girvan, who announced the funding package, said the event had developed into one of the country’s top road races since it was first held in 2009.

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley, an advocate of the sport, was instrumental in lobbying the department on the matter and the money will be used towards the purchase of new safety equipment and upgrades.

“I am delighted by this support,” said Mr Paisley, who was speaking after visiting the circuit with Clerk of the Course Bill Kennedy and Ballymoney rider William Dunlop.

“The Minister is making safety at road races a priority and I welcome this as a significant investment and vote of confidence in the race, the sport and the organisers who do so much on a voluntary basis to make this a showcase event.”

A delighted Kennedy said the commitment was ‘great news’ for the club.

“This is great news indeed for the Club and Armoy Road Races. This exceptional financial support will provide further safety precautions and measures for our races,” said Kennedy.

“We are indebted to the Communities Minister Paul Givan, who also took time out of his busy diary with Ian Paisley MP and Mervyn Storey MLA to come to Armoy several weeks ago.”

“This will make a difference to this year’s race.”

The event will be held on July 28-29 next year.

which will take place on Friday and Saturday 28th and 29th July.”

Making the announcement Communities Minister Paul Givan said, “The Armoy Road Races have proved a must attend event in the road racing calendar across Ireland. Without a doubt it has grown in stature since its inception in 2009 and has become one of the best National Road Races there is.

“I’m delighted that this financial commitment will make a significant contribution to the safety of the course as well as tourism and marketing of Northern Ireland as a venue for fantastic sporting events.”

Ian Paisley MP for North Antrim, an advocate for road racing, was instrumental in lobbying the department to give additional support in order to improve safety for competitors and spectators. Having received correspondence from the Communities Minister Paul Givan MLA confirming that he will provide £55K for the Armoy Road Races after his officials met to see the needs regarding safety support for the race and since then it has been identified that they can be met by this cash injection.

Speaking after visiting the circuit with Bill Kennedy Clerk of the Course and Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club together with local racing star William Dunlop, Ian Paisley said, “

“I’m very pleased that with the additional support from local politicians this has come to fruition. The Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club would like to say thank you to all those involved and to the Communities Minister, Paul Givan for not only listening but acting too.

For more information on Armoy Road Races visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page and you can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.