ATU Donegal Appoints Prof. Pollock as Head of New Veterinary Program

UPDATE: Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal has just announced the appointment of Professor Patrick Pollock as the Head of its new Veterinary Medicine and Surgery program. This groundbreaking initiative will significantly increase the number of veterinary training places in Ireland, with the first cohort set to start in September 2026.

The announcement was made during the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, where ATU showcased its innovative offerings. Prof. Pollock, a globally recognized equine surgeon with extensive experience at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, is poised to lead this five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) program, which will enroll 40 students annually.

The new program will be based at ATU’s Letterkenny campus, with one semester delivered at Mountbellew. Applications opened on November 5, 2025, under the CAO code: AU375. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing national veterinary education and ensuring communities across Ireland have access to world-class veterinary services.

During the Ploughing Championships, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD met with the newly formed veterinary team, underscoring the initiative’s significance. “By expanding access to veterinary education in Ireland, ATU is ensuring that future veterinarians are equipped to serve both animals and communities effectively,” he stated.

In his remarks, Prof. Pollock emphasized the program’s community focus: “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.”

Dr. Orla Flynn, President of ATU, expressed pride in leading this national initiative, which not only expands educational access but also strengthens rural veterinary services and fosters innovation in the field. “Welcoming Professor Pollock to ATU is a milestone for us. His exceptional international experience and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the success of our new veterinary offerings,” she added.

With this new program, ATU Donegal aims to address the growing demand for veterinary professionals in Ireland. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating a robust veterinary education framework that supports both students and the communities they will serve.

As the program develops, stakeholders and prospective students are encouraged to follow ATU’s updates closely, as this initiative is set to transform veterinary education in Ireland.

Stay tuned for further developments on this exciting new program that promises to impact the future of veterinary care across the nation.