The South East Technological University welcomed Oireachtas members from across the region to Teagasc Kildalton College on Wednesday, 28 August, for a briefing on the significant progress of the University’s proposed veterinary medicine and pharmacy programmes.
SETU provided an update on the development of its strategic objectives, highlighting the University’s readiness to launch these new programmes.
Attendees included Minister Malcolm Noonan, TD, Minister Mary Butler, TD, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, MEP, Brendan Howlin, TD, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, TD, John Paul Phelan, TD, Matt Shanahan, TD, Verona Murphy, TD, Johnnie Mythen TD, David Cullinane TD, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, Senator Malcolm Byrne and Senator John Cummins. A party colleague represented John McGuinness, TD.
The Oireachtas members were given a guided tour of the college’s facilities before receiving a detailed briefing delivered by representatives of SETU and Teagasc Kildalton College.
In 2022, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) began exploring ways to expand capacity in veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, medicine and nursing. SETU’s proposals for new veterinary medicine and pharmacy programmes were deemed viable following an independent assessment overseen by the HEA.
The Dean of the School of Science and Computing, Professor Peter McLoughlin said, “The positive assessment of SETU’s proposals recognises the University’s strengths in pharmaceutical science and agricultural sciences, and the significant added value of our 50-year collaboration with Teagasc Kildalton College.”
SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, emphasised the importance of the veterinary medicine and pharmacy programmes to the University’s strategic goals.
Prof. Campbell said, “By attracting high-calibre students from the south east and beyond, we aim to support regional development, building a vibrant innovation ecosystem that promotes high-quality job creation and long-term employment opportunities.”
Senator Malcolm Byrne, who convenes the South East Oireachtas group that liaises with the University, stated, “It is critical for the country’s needs that these courses commence as soon as possible.”
Dr Mary-Kate Burke, Veterinary Medicine Programme Development Lead, said, “We are very appreciative of all the veterinary practitioners who have not only pledged their support to the proposed veterinary medicine programme at SETU but who have become actively involved in the curriculum development.”
Paul Nolan, Chair of SETU's Land Sciences Industry Board and Group Development Manager at Dawn Meats, emphasised, “Establishing a pipeline of highly skilled veterinary practitioners for the south east region is essential.”
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