ATU Donegal Appoints Professor Pollock to Lead New Veterinary Program

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal has appointed Professor Patrick Pollock as the Head of its newly launched Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) programme. This significant announcement was made during the National Ploughing Championships held in Tullamore, where ATU showcased its educational offerings. Prof. Pollock, a globally recognized equine surgeon, brings extensive experience to this role, having previously led prominent veterinary hospitals at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. He is also known as the world’s first Professor of Remote and Rural Veterinary Medicine.

The five-year BVMS programme is set to welcome its first cohort of students in September 2026. Classes will primarily take place at ATU’s Letterkenny campus, with a semester conducted at Mountbellew. The programme is backed by substantial investments in veterinary teaching and clinical facilities, aiming to provide 40 places initially. As of November 5, 2025, applications are open under the CAO code: AU375.

During the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD met with the newly established veterinary team. He emphasized the importance of increasing veterinary training opportunities in Ireland. By expanding access to veterinary education, ATU seeks to enhance the national provision of veterinary care, enabling more students to pursue their studies domestically and ensuring communities across Ireland benefit from high-quality veterinary services.

In his address at the National Ploughing Championships, Professor Pollock remarked, “

ATU Veterinary is more than a vet school — it’s a veterinary community, serving the people and animals of Ireland and beyond. Our graduates will emerge resilient, confident, and ready to make a difference anywhere in the world.

” His vision underscores the commitment of ATU to develop a supportive environment for both students and the broader community.

Dr. Orla Flynn, President of ATU, expressed pride in the university’s role in this national initiative. She stated, “We were proud to be one of the leaders in this national initiative, which not only expanded access to veterinary education in Ireland but also strengthened rural veterinary services and drove innovation in the discipline. We were especially delighted to welcome Professor Pollock to ATU. His exceptional international experience and leadership in veterinary education were instrumental in shaping the success of our new veterinary offerings.”

As ATU Donegal embarks on this new venture, the appointment of Professor Pollock signifies a strategic move to enhance veterinary education in Ireland. With a commitment to innovation and community service, the university aims to equip future veterinarians with the skills necessary to address the evolving challenges in animal healthcare.