SETU has been chosen to deliver a new veterinary medicine programme.
The University was picked alongside the Atlantic Technological University. These will be the first veterinary courses outside of Dublin.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Patrick O'Donovan TD, alongside Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, announced SETU's selection this afternoon at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.
Welcoming the Government’s decision, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell said “Veterinary medicine is a highly sought-after programme of relevance to our region that will attract top talent from the southeast and beyond. As the only university in the region, SETU is delighted to be chosen to deliver a new veterinary medicine programme,” she said.
Waterford Chamber also welcomed the announcement.
Gerald Hurley CEO said, "Establishing a pipeline of highly skilled veterinary practitioners for the South East region is essential, given the the dominance of the Agri-Food Industry in the South East.
"Today is a day for celebration, particularly for SETU, who are working tirelessly to build a university of scale and international standing.
"The South East region boasts 20% of the State’s agricultural output, 12,000 farms (beef, dairy, sheep and bloodstock), 16% sectorial employment. Today's announcements enhance the existing offering at Kildalton College, the largest Teagasc college nationally where courses in agriculture, horticulture, and equine studies are supported," he said.
The University announced that talks are now being held with the Veterinary Council of Ireland regarding accreditation for graduating students.
The first intake of 40 students is expected to be for the 2025/26 academic term.
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