South East Technological University (SETU) and Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College were delighted to invite Veterinary Ireland to the college for an informative on-site visit demonstrating the University’s readiness to deliver a degree in veterinary medicine.
Facilitated by SETU’s veterinary medicine programme development team, Veterinary Ireland’s visit to Kildalton Agricultural College in Piltown, Co Kilkenny on Wednesday, 28 February involved a tour of the college’s facilities followed by a detailed briefing.
Among the invited guests from Veterinary Ireland were Hazell Mullins, President, Kate O’Dwyer, Food Animal Chair, and Finbar Murphy, Chief Executive.
In 2022, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) established a process to identify opportunities in the higher education system to build capacity in veterinary medicine and other areas within the higher education system.
SETU’s proposals to create new programmes in veterinary medicine and pharmacy were included in the capacity-building strategies announced by the Government in June of last year. The University’s application builds on SETU’s strengths in science and land sciences together with a 50-year history of collaborative provision with Teagasc, Kildalton Agricultural College.
A comprehensive tour and overview of the college’s facilities was provided by Tim Ashmore, College Principal of Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College. Professor Veronica Campbell, SETU President, elaborated on SETU’s Strategic Plan, emphasising how the introduction of veterinary medicine aligns with the University’s strategic objectives.
Stakeholder engagement
Further insights into SETU’s Land Sciences education were shared by Professor Peter McLoughlin, Head of the School of Science and Computing, while Eleanor Kent, Head of the Department of Land Sciences, provided a perspective on stakeholder engagement.
Sharing SETU’s strengths in science and land science, Prof. McLoughlin outlined, “We have a long history of collaborative delivery and partnerships which will enable us to deliver a modern veterinary medicine programme. Extensive European partnerships including our European University, EU-CONEXUS along with our animal science research will enhance the skills needed by veterinary graduates.”
Given the importance of the agri-food industry to Ireland and the south east, Paul Nolan, Group Development Manager with the Dawn Meats Group also addressed the briefing. Mr Nolan expressed how, “It is critical that SETU builds on its reputation for collaboration with Kildalton College and the relevant stakeholders, to leave no stone unturned in its quest to add veterinary medicine to its programme portfolio. Having a pipeline of highly skilled veterinary practitioners for the region is crucial.”