New €41 Million Veterinary College Set to Transform Education

A new veterinary college, backed by a substantial investment of €41 million, is set to enhance veterinary education in the North-West of Ireland. Located at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) campus in Knocknamona, Letterkenny, this initiative was announced by Minister of State Charlie McConalogue during the launch of ATU’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery program.

Minister McConalogue expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “To see the project moving to this stage is excellent news.” He extended his gratitude to James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, for attending the launch and for his support in advancing this significant project. The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of ATU President Orla Flynn and her team in progressing the college’s development.

Enhancing Veterinary Education in Ireland

This new veterinary college represents a pivotal moment in the rollout of the Government’s Veterinary Places Activation Programme (VPAP), which aims to expand veterinary education in Ireland. According to McConalogue, this initiative is crucial for strengthening the country’s veterinary education system, which has received backing from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The college is expected to welcome its first cohort of 40 veterinary medicine students in September 2026. This new program will significantly contribute to Ireland’s veterinary training capacity, addressing the growing need for qualified professionals in the sector. Together with SETU, the VPAP is set to provide 80 new veterinary places annually, beginning in 2026, thus bolstering the domestic pipeline of veterinary graduates and diminishing reliance on overseas institutions.

McConalogue emphasized the importance of this investment, noting, “This investment will bring new educational opportunities to the region, helping to retain talent locally and support economic and research development.” The college’s establishment is anticipated to have a lasting impact on the agri-food sector, public health, and animal health services throughout Ireland.

A Modern Approach to Veterinary Education

ATU’s innovative model includes the development of a comprehensive on-campus clinical facility, allowing students to benefit from high-quality veterinary teaching and clinical environments. This approach aligns with national priorities in agri-food, public health, and workforce planning, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern veterinary practice.

The course is now open for applications via the Central Applications Office (CAO), and as the program reaches full capacity, ATU and SETU together will produce an additional 80 veterinary graduates per year. This expansion is expected to play a crucial role in supporting regional development and improving veterinary services across the country.

In conclusion, the establishment of this veterinary college marks an essential step forward for ATU, the West and North-West regions of Ireland, and the nation’s veterinary education landscape. The collaborative efforts of government officials and educational institutions underscore the commitment to enhancing veterinary training and addressing the evolving needs of the profession.