Taoiseach Simon Harris and Ministers O’Donovan and McConalogue announce locations for two new veterinary schools

Posted: 18 September, 2024

Taoiseach Simon Harris TD and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD today announced plans to deliver two new veterinary schools.

The new schools will be located at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), and South East Technological University (SETU).

Speaking today, Taoiseach Simon Harris 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.

“It marks a significant milestone and comes after a period of extensive engagement between the Higher Education Authority, the Higher Education Institutions, and Government Departments, working in close collaboration to progress options for new programmes in Veterinary Medicine identified in the HEA’s Higher Education Capacity Building report, which was brought to Government  last year.

“It is my firm belief that these new schools in veterinary medicine will strengthen regional economies in the North and South, create substantial new opportunities for students as well as employment opportunities for the regions, and drive innovation within Ireland’s agri-food sector.”

Ministers O’Donovan and McConalogue made the announcement at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, today where key stakeholders from the farming community and agriculture sectors were also present.

Minister O’Donovan said: “This major investment from Government into two new veterinary schools represents a monumental step forward for Irish education and Irish agriculture.

“Too often many of our brightest students with aspirations of becoming veterinarians have had to look overseas to pursue their studies.

“With the formation of these new schools we are offering more students who wish to study veterinary medicine the opportunity to learn and thrive in their academic careers here at home, to pursue their studies within an Irish context, and contribute directly to our agricultural, agri-food, and public health sectors.”

Minister McConalogue said: “Ireland’s farmers and food producers rely on world-class expertise to ensure the health and welfare of our livestock, which underpins the quality and sustainability of our agri-food sector.

“These new veterinary schools will provide the skilled professionals we need to support our rural communities and address the evolving challenges facing agriculture, from animal health to food safety and climate change.

“The establishment of these schools will also help promote a better regional spread of educational and professional opportunities. Both new schools will be located in strategic areas in the country which will foster collaboration with regional agricultural industries, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative extend across the country.”

Higher Education Authority CEO Dr Alan Wall said: “This initiative aligns with our commitment to ensuring students can access a range of higher education opportunities across Ireland. The creation of new Veterinary Medicine programmes in the North West and South East of the country offers balanced regional provision and creates additional opportunities for students to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine in Ireland.

Ireland currently has one of the leading veterinary schools in the world, and the excellent education and research on offer at UCD’s School of Veterinary Medicine will be complimented by new programmes at ATU and SETU offering a diversity of approach to the delivery of Veterinary Medicine education.”

Funding from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will be allocated to support the development of state-of-the-art facilities, faculty recruitment, and the creation of innovative educational programs tailored to meet the unique needs of Ireland’s veterinary landscape.

The next phase of planning will now commence between the HEA and the HEIs, and the Ministers and their Departments will continue to work closely to help progress and support the delivery of the new schools.

ENDS