A NEW Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery programme was launched at ATU’s Letterkenny Campus yesterday.
The launch was officiated by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD.
The new veterinary college, which will be located at the Donegal ATU’s site at Knocknamona in Letterkenny, will significantly strengthen the future of veterinary care in the North West.
Speaking at the launch yesterday afternoon, the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue said: “To see the project moving to this stage is excellent news.
“I extend my thanks to Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation Science, James Lawless, for making the trip to Letterkenny to officially launch of the Veterinary Medicine Programme.
“I also acknowledge the great work that has been done by Minister Lawless and his official, and by ATU President, Orla Flynn, and her team, in progressing this major project.”
Minister McConalogue said the event marked a significant step forward for ATU, for the West and North-West, and for Ireland’s veterinary education system.
“ATU will welcome its first 40 veterinary medicine students in 2026, contributing to the national expansion of veterinary training capacity,” he commented.
Together with SETU, the VPAP will deliver 80 new veterinary places annually, beginning in 2026.
This expansion strengthens Ireland’s domestic veterinary graduate pipeline and reduces reliance on overseas universities.
ATU’s model, developing a full clinical training facility on campus, will ensure high-quality, modern clinical education and strong regional engagement.
The programme supports national priorities in agri-food, public health, One Health, and workforce planning.
“This investment will bring new educational opportunities to the region, helping to retain talent locally and support economic and research development,” Minister McConalogue added.
The first cohort of 40 students is due to be enrolled at the new college in September 2026.
The course is now available for application through the CAO.
At full rollout, ATU and SETU together will provide 80 additional veterinary graduates per year, supporting the agri-food sector, public health, animal health services, and regional development.
ATU will develop a full on-campus clinical facility, giving students access to modern, high-quality veterinary teaching and clinical environments while strengthening the university’s regional role in health, animal science, and applied research.
