Funding Growth

The number of Neighbourhood Centres steadily increased as funds were made available. The Department of Youth and Community Services funded 32 centres in 1977. In 1978, this rose to 59, increasing to 143 Neighbourhood Centres by 1984 85.

From 1976 the Department operated a Neighbourhood Centre Programme specifically orientated to Neighbourhood Centres. This was amalgamated with the Community Information Centres Programme in 1980. In conjunction with LCSA and Neighbourhood Centres, the Department developed its own Neighbourhood Centre Policy in 1985. This policy has developed through a number of versions, the last being in 2003.