The first veterinary medicine programme in Connacht and Ulster will be launched at Atlantic Technological University in Letterkenny, Co Donegal this afternoon.
It marks a milestone in veterinary education as students who previously wished to become veterinary surgeons had to study in University College Dublin or overseas institutions.
From next year, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and the South East Technological University (SETU) will offer courses in veterinary medicine, complementing UCD's existing provision.
Both ATU and SETU are preparing to welcome their first intake of 40 students each in September 2026 with CAO applications having recently opened.
The five-year ATU programme will be delivered primarily in Letterkenny with one semester at Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co Galway.
ATU was established three years ago through the merger of GMIT, LYIT and IT Sligo.
It is one of the country’s largest multi-campus universities with more than 30,000 students across nine campuses and ten research centres.
ATU President Dr Orla Flynn said the new veterinary school will expand access to veterinary education as well as ensuring that rural communities have the skilled professionals they need.
"We are proud to lead this initiative and grateful for the support of Minister Lawless and all stakeholders who helped make this vision a reality," Dr Flynn said.
'Transformative milestone’
The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless will officially launch the ATU veterinary programme later today.
He described the programme as a "transformative milestone" in the national strategy to expand veterinary education.
"It offers students across the west and north west the chance to pursue a world-class veterinary qualification closer to home.
"It will help us keep talent in the region, create new opportunities, and build a strong pipeline of skilled professionals who will underpin our education, public health, and agri-food sectors for years to come," he added.
Mr Lawless acknowledged the support of the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Martin Heydon and paid tribute to ATU staff in bringing the programme forward.
Minister Heydon echoed the sentiments of Minister Lawless stating the programme will help meet a national need while strengthening regional development.
Mr Heydon said the programme is "hugely significant" for the agri-food sector, adding that a strong pipeline of veterinary graduates is vital for safeguarding animal health and supporting the nation’s "global reputation for high-quality food".
CEO of the Higher Education Authority, Dr Alan Wall said the development reflects "rapid and collaborative progress" across higher education to expand capacity in key healthcare and veterinary fields.
ATU’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) opened for applications via the CAO three weeks ago.
Degree entry is through a three-stage process involving minimum entry requirements, completing working experience and an online situational judgement test.
The five-year full-time level nine degree has been externally validated and designed to align with the professional accreditation standards in Ireland, the UK and Europe.
It followed the Government’s announcement of the Veterinary Places Activation Programme on 18 September 2024.
Following that announcement, SETU and ATU were designated as two new providers of veterinary medicine education to commence in September, 2026.
The launch in Letterkenny this afternoon will bring together ATU personnel and regional stakeholders, including representatives from local and cross-border education bodies, veterinary practices, county council representatives, senators, and TDs.
