South East Technological University (SETU) and Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College hosted a visit from Veterinary Ireland this week to demonstrate the university’s “readiness to deliver a degree in veterinary medicine”.
In 2022, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) undertook a review to identify opportunities in the higher education system to build capacity in veterinary medicine and other areas.
Last June, the HEA concluded that there is potential for a vet school at SETU, the University of Limerick (UL), and Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
The authority also found that there is potential to expand the current offering in veterinary medicine at University College Dublin (UCD).
The government is yet to announce which third-level institution or institutions will host a new vet school.
SETU
According to SETU, its application builds on the university’s strengths in science and land sciences, coupled with a 50-year collaboration with Teagasc, Kildalton Agricultural College in Piltown, Co Kilkenny.
Facilitated by SETU’s veterinary medicine programme development team, Veterinary Ireland’s visit to Kildalton on Wednesday (February 28) involved a tour of the college’s facilities followed by a detailed briefing.
Among the invited guests from Veterinary Ireland were Hazell Mullins, president, Kate O’Dwyer, food animal chair, and Finbar Murphy, chief executive.
Prof. Veronica Campbell, SETU president, said that the introduction of veterinary medicine aligns with the university’s strategic objectives.
“This meeting offered us a wonderful opportunity to update the Veterinary Ireland team on SETU’s readiness to deliver a degree course in veterinary medicine.
“Our programme development team gave an informative briefing to the group, illustrating the scale of SETU’s offering which includes research-informed modules, extensive stakeholder support and course delivery at Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College,” she said.
“The provision of new prestigious courses such as veterinary medicine is fundamental to SETU’s ambition to transform the south east region.
“By attracting the brightest and best students from the region and beyond, we will drive the region to realise its potential, creating a powerful innovation ecosystem of high-quality jobs and sustainable employment,” Prof. Campbell added.
Kildalton
The visit included a comprehensive tour and overview of the college’s facilities provided by principal of Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College, Tim Ashmore.
“Kildalton College is delighted to collaborate with SETU with a view to provide a veterinary medicine programme in the south east.
The livestock enterprises in Kildalton, which include dairy, beef, sheep and equine, together with the excellent practical training facilities provide an excellent platform to deliver much of the large animal components of this course,” he said.
The visiting delegation was also addressed by Paul Nolan, group development manager with the Dawn Meats Group.
“It is critical that SETU builds on its reputation for collaboration with Kildalton College and the relevant stakeholders, to leave no stone unturned in its quest to add veterinary medicine to its programme portfolio.
“Having a pipeline of highly skilled veterinary practitioners for the region is crucial,” he said.