SETU and Teagasc mark new phase with signing of Service Level Agreement
Building on almost 50 years of collaboration, South East Technological University (SETU) and Teagasc have entered a new phase of partnership with the signing of a service level agreement (SLA). Formally signed today (Thursday, 5 March), the agreement strengthens SETU’s long-established relationship with Teagasc Kildalton College and the College of Amenity Horticulture at the Botanic Gardens. It follows on from nearly five decades of cooperation in the delivery of land sciences education and sets the foundation for expanded collaboration in veterinary medicine.
Welcoming the new agreement, Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said: “SETU’s strong partnership with Teagasc is a testament to the enduring value of land sciences and the expanding role of veterinary medicine education in the South East. This service level agreement reflects our shared commitment to providing a modern, high-quality learning experience for students across our institutions. “We are pleased to build on this strong connection with Teagasc through the continued delivery of our existing programmes and commencement of our new Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB) programme this September.”
Commenting on the occasion, Prof. Frank O'Mara, Director of Teagasc said: “Teagasc is pleased to continue and strengthen our long-standing partnership with SETU through this new service level agreement. For nearly five decades, our collaboration has supported high‑quality land sciences education. “Connecting with our partners across Higher Education programmes is an important channel for knowledge transfer and extension to this important pool of future graduates. This agreement with SETU lays the groundwork for an exciting new chapter with the advent of the new MVB programme.”
Eleanor Kent, Head of the Department of Land Sciences at SETU, reflected on the success and evolution of the continued partnership, noting its strong record in producing work-ready graduates for the sector. “The facilities and expertise available at Teagasc Kildalton College and the College of Amenity Horticulture at the Botanic Gardens provide our students with hands-on practical education and training that is highly valued by industry partners and future employers,” she said.
Dr Anne-Marie Butler, Head of Education in Teagasc also commented that by combining Teagasc and SETU expertise and facilities helps to ensure that the next generation of graduates is equipped with the practical skills and scientific understanding needed to contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s agri‑food and land‑use sectors. “Teagasc provides an ideal practical setting to complement the higher education land science programmes offered by SETU. The provision of veterinary medicine education at SETU and Teagasc Kildalton College further strengthens the existing partnership,” Dr Butler said.
As part of this a 1,000m² specialist facility dedicated to animal biology and anatomy education will be delivered at Teagasc Kildalton College, complementing the existing animal handling resources at the college.
Technology-enhanced teaching spaces at SETU and Teagasc Kildalton College will allow students to apply their learning in real-world contexts while developing skills essential for professional veterinary practice.
