Mountbellew among locations for new veterinary schools
The Government has announced that the Atlantic Technological University will deliver a new veterinary school at Mountbellew Agricultural College and in Donegal.
A second new veterinary school will be located at South East Technological University in Kilkenny.
Taoiseach Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue announced the locations at the National Ploughing Championships in Laois today (Wednesday).
Atlantic Technological University said the new Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery would be delivered through a dual-campus model, primarily based at ATU Donegal in conjunction with Mountbellew Agricultural College.
Speaking today, the Taoiseach said: “The delivery of two new veterinary schools will help address the need for an increased supply of veterinary professionals in Ireland and will support the agricultural and agri-food sectors, while providing Irish students with more opportunities to pursue veterinary studies without having to seek their education abroad.
“I also know how important this announcement is for farmers. There are often shortages of vets in rural and regional Ireland, particularly for large animals and the location of new vet colleges outside Dublin may help assist with that and support our rural communities."
Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North West, Barry Cowen, welcomed today's announcement.
"This is an exciting step forward for animal health and welfare, rural development and Irish agriculture and is a very important initiative to help respond to an established need for veterinary practitioners," said Mr Cowen.
"These new veterinary colleges will increase the availability of skilled veterinary practitioners which are needed to support our rural communities and address the evolving challenges facing the agri-food sector, from animal health to food safety and security, and climate change."
Fellow MEP for Midlands-North West, Maria Walsh, said: "I am relieved to see the Government finally make the right decision in choosing ATU Mountbellew and Donegal as the location for one of Ireland's two new veterinary schools.
"This will boost the regions' standing and offering on a European, as well as a national level.
"Today's announcement signals that the future is bright for the West and North-West regions, ensuring they remain competitive and expand what they can offer young people going into the future.
"I spoke at ATU Mountbellew's Aileen Cust Conference in 2022 celebrating a true trailblazer; the first Irish woman veterinary surgeon. The North Galway region has a rich history of innovative and forward thinking agriculture leaders like Aileen. It’s in the DNA of Mountbellew.
"I am disappointed that the process took as long as it did, but ATU now has a clear mandate to work from," said Ms Walsh.