South East Technological University (SETU) 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.
During the visit, SETU provided an update on the development of its strategic objectives, highlighting the University’s preparedness 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 by Tim Ashmore, Principal of Teagasc Kildalton College, 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, particularly its objective to drive transformation in the south east region. 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.”
Remarking on the significance of the visit, Professor Campbell noted, “This meeting allowed us to brief Oireachtas members from the south east on the progress of the development of our veterinary medicine degree and pharmacy programmes. Our programme development team outlined SETU’s significant progress including fantastic stakeholder support across the region and our partnership with Teagasc Kildalton College for course delivery.”
Senator Malcolm Byrne, who convenes the South East Oireachtas group that liaises with the University, stated, “There is cross-party and cross-county support from every TD, Senator and MEP in the region for the development of the proposed programmes in veterinary medicine and in pharmacy at the University. SETU is ready to offer world-class courses in these fields and after the rigorous assessment process, we expect the Government to soon announce that these have been awarded on merit.”
“It is critical for the country’s needs that these courses commence as soon as possible,” Senator Byrne added.
Highlighting the importance of the programme for the region, 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. The support for SETU at a regional, national, and international level has been amazing throughout the ongoing process.”
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. Therefore, SETU must continue with its collaborative efforts with Teagasc Kildalton College and other key stakeholders, ensuring that every possible avenue is explored to secure veterinary medicine for SETU’s programme offerings.”
