Confirmation that Kildalton College in south Kilkenny is to provide vet medicine degree is welcomed

Confirmation that Kilkenny’s to help deliver the new Vet Medicine degree continues to generate reaction locally.

The official announcement came yesterday afternoon of a €50million euro investment into two locations – Kildalton College in Piltown with the South East Technological University (SETU) and Mountbellew in Galway with the ATU with 80 placements between the two.

SETU says it’s proud to be selected to deliver a new veterinary medicine programme, marking a significant milestone for both the University and the future of veterinary education in the region.

Its President, Professor Veronica Campbell recognises the move as a significant vote of confidence in the University’s vision for the future, saying; “Veterinary medicine is a highly sought-after programme of relevance to our region that will attract top talent from the south east and beyond. As the only university in the region, SETU is delighted to be chosen to deliver a new veterinary medicine programme”.

The announcement aligns with SETU’s strategic plan and significantly builds on the University’s established expertise in agricultural sciences, bolstered by a 50-year partnership with Teagasc at Kildalton College in Piltown, Co Kilkenny.

Prof. Campbell expressed her sincere gratitude to the Government and the HEA for their leadership in tackling critical national skills shortages. She also extended her appreciation to public representatives from the region for pledging their support noting; “SETU is now poised to deliver an innovative veterinary medicine degree that prepares students for the realities of veterinary practice in rural Ireland. Our distributed model of clinical teaching, where students will complete their clinical rotations in practices across the south east, will be transformative for both the University and the region”.

Acknowledging the many individuals involved in bringing the vision for a new programme to life, Prof. Campbell stated, “A large team across SETU worked tirelessly on the application. I would like to especially recognise Professor Peter McLoughlin, Head (Waterford) Faculty of Science and Computing, and the entire Programme Development team for their efforts.”

Commending the key members of the Programme Development team, including Eleanor Kent, Head of the Department of Land Sciences; Dr Mary-Kate Burke, MRCVS and Veterinary Medicine Programme Development Lead; Dr Siobhan Walsh, Interim Operations Manager for Veterinary Medicine; and Tim Ashmore, Principal of Teagasc Kildalton College, Prof. Peter McLoughlin said, “Their vision, hard work and dedication positioned SETU to succeed in this highly competitive process.”

Prof. Campbell also acknowledged the support of numerous stakeholders, including Paul Nolan, Chair of SETU’s Land Sciences Industry Board, and various agri-food, equine, life sciences, and veterinary sector representatives. “Their unwavering backing has been instrumental in advancing the provision of a veterinary medicine programme here in the south east,” she said.

Looking ahead, Prof. Campbell added, “We very much look forward to bringing this programme to fruition and are actively working towards accreditation from the Veterinary Council of Ireland with the inclusion of the new programme in the CAO listing in 2025/26 to provide for an annual intake of 40 students.

“We would also like to congratulate Atlantic Technological University (ATU) on their successful application to introduce a veterinary programme to the north-west region. This milestone paves the way for future collaboration between our universities. Together, we can advance veterinary education, research, and practice across Ireland, while addressing the needs of rural and agricultural communities nationwide. We look forward to the collaborative opportunities that lie ahead.”

Meanwhile, SETU has also been shortlisted as a potential new provider of pharmacy education with a Government decision expected shortly. “We remain hopeful that our strong application for pharmacy is also approved and that SETU can contribute to the skills requirements of the health sector and vibrant pharma industry of the region,” said Prof. Campbell.

Veterinary Council of Ireland

The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI), the statutory body responsible for the regulation, management and the education of the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in the state, has also welcomed the Government’s announcement.

Any new veterinary medicine courses will be subject to VCI accreditation processes to validate them and ensure high standards of veterinary medicine are in place. The Veterinary Council plays a key role in the regulation of veterinary medicine education, ensuring veterinary education and training remains up to date and is benchmarked to the highest international standards. VCI accreditation enables professional recognition in Ireland which then further affords access to registration in the UK, Europe and Australia and New Zealand.

VCI CEO and Registrar Niamh Muldoon says; “The VCI welcomes this decision as it will bring clarity and certainty to the veterinary medicine sector. Today’s 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. As the regulator for the sector, the Council will be pleased to apply our accreditation assessment and standards to any new applicant programmes of veterinary medicine. This will be done to ensure the high standards of veterinary medicine enjoyed in Ireland are maintained, in the interest of animal health and welfare, public health, and Ireland’s agri-food sector.”

Political Representatives

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has been discussing the announcement with our Brian Redmond on The KCLR Daily;