Waterford Chamber has welcomed An Taoiseach Simon Harris's announcement that a new Veterinary School is to be formed at South East Technological University (SETU).
According to Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber, "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. We are extremely proud to have been part of the extensive lobbying of Government for this, along with SETU themselves, Oireacthas members and other key stakeholders. We were also delighted to have received the support of the other regional Chambers of Commerce for our recent submission to Government, showing the strength of having one voice for the region.
"Today is a day for celebration, particularly for SETU, who are working tirelessly to build a university of scale and international standing. We hope this positivity towards the university will continue with subsequent announcements for Schools of Pharmacy and Nursing, because without such equitable investment, this South East academic ‘flagship’ mandated by Government will not materialise, resulting in more and more of our young professionals looking elsewhere for their education and ultimately, careers."
Meanwhile, Chamber Patron Paul Nolan of Dawn Meats, who is also Chairperson of the SETU Land Sciences Industry Board, said: "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 enhances the existing offering at Kildalton College, the largest Teagasc college nationally where courses in agriculture, horticulture and equine studies are supported. To have a Veterinary School at SETU will cement the region as a leader in terms of education in agricultural and future proof support services to our industry.
"A huge congratulations to all at SETU for getting this over the line. Let's keep the collaboration and one regional voice mentality going now to secure the other two schools, as well as equitable funding for the region's only University."
