'You don't have to go to Dublin for everything' - locations of new veterinary colleges confirmed

The government has announced €50 million in capital funding which will see the establishment of two new veterinary colleges in Ireland, both of which will be located outside Dublin.

Details of the new schools, at the South East Technological University campus in Kilkenny and at Atlantic Technological University campuses in Donegal and Galway, were confirmed at the National Ploughing Championships this Wednesday afternoon.

It is anticipated that students will be able to access the courses from next year and the decision is expected to result in an additional 80 veterinary medicine graduates per year.

READ ALSO: PICTURES: Sunshine and smiles at day two of the National Ploughing Championships

Currently, UCD is the only provider for veterinary medicine in Ireland and the Minister for Higher Education, Patrick O'Donovan says this Wednesday's announcement is fantastic news for those outside of Dublin (watch the video for more).

"This will, I believe, give a very firm statement - in terms of higher education - that you don't have to go to Dublin for everything, that you can become a vet in Letterkenny or Mountbellew or you can become a vet in Waterford and Kildalton and that, to me, is hugely important.

The Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said the new courses will develop students in rural Ireland and address the evolving challenges facing agriculture, including animal health and safety.

"The establishment of these colleges will also help promote a better regional spread of educational and professional opportunities," he said.

The Veterinary Council of Ireland  the statutory body responsible for the regulation, management and the education of the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in the state, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of 80 new third level places for veterinary medicine.

Niamh Muldoon, CEO and Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Ireland, said: “The VCI welcomes this decision as it will bring clarity and certainty to the veterinary medicine sector. The decision is the cumulation of efforts which started in 2022 by the Higher Education Authority and the VCI to increase capacity in the Veterinary sector. The additional graduates are greatly needed in the sector, which has seen an increased demand not only for veterinary practitioners, but also for critical agri-food research and development roles.