Social housing scheme for Hollyford village

Applications are being sought from people who would like to live in a new social housing scheme about to be constructed in Hollyford.

Over the past 30 years, the conference of the Saint Vincent de Paul in the area have built 19 social houses in the parish encompassing Hollyford, Kilcommon and Rearcross.

Now they are about to embark on another scheme and are almost set to proceed with the construction of 10 extra social houses in the village of Hollyford.

The Saint Vincent de Paul in the area are working with Tipperary County Council to bring the ambitious scheme to fruition.

Both the local conference and the local authority now want to hear from applicants who would like to live in the new houses.

Rural decline has led to many changes in the parish over the last half century, which is sadly reflected in a drop in numbers of children attending local schools.

Philip Ryan, Secretary of Saint Vincent de Paul in the area, told this newspaper that a drive is on to tackle depopulation in the parish.

He said plans for the ten new houses have been completed and the scheme is earmarked for a site that is already fully serviced with sewage infrastructure as well as broadband connection.

“Applicants for the houses should apply to Tipperary County Council and fill up the application form to get on the housing list,” said Mr Ryan.

Many people from outside the Hollyford, Kilcommon and Rearcross area have come from other areas to live in the parish as a result of the house building programme of   Saint Vincent de Paul in the parish since 1993.