Veterinary education expansion 'a game-changer' for Mayo college
Two Mayo Oireachtas members have warmly welcomed today’s announcement by Ministers James Lawless and Martin Heydon of a major expansion in veterinary education, which will see Atlantic Technological University (ATU) designated as one of two new veterinary schools in Ireland.
This landmark decision will deliver 40 new veterinary student places at ATU from 2026, forming part of the Government’s Veterinary Places Activation Programme (VPAP), which will create 80 additional places nationally each year through new schools at ATU and South East Technological University (SETU).
Minister Alan Dillon said: “This is a game-changer for the west and northwest.
"For the first time, students from Mayo and across the region will have the opportunity to study veterinary medicine closer to home, in a world-class facility at ATU.
"This investment will not only strengthen our higher education offering but also support the agri-food sector, which is the backbone of rural Ireland.”
“The establishment of a veterinary school at ATU is a clear vote of confidence in our region’s potential. It will create new opportunities for young people, attract talent, and deliver long-term benefits for farming communities and rural enterprise across Mayo and the western seaboard.”
The new veterinary school at ATU will include a full clinical facility for on-campus training, ensuring students receive hands-on experience in state-of-the-art settings.
This initiative will also help address critical skills shortages in veterinary medicine, safeguarding animal health and supporting Ireland’s reputation for high-quality food production.
Minister Dillon added: “This announcement reflects the government’s commitment to balanced regional development and to investing in the future of rural Ireland. It will help retain talent in the west, reduce reliance on overseas education, and ensure our farming families have access to the skilled professionals they need.”
The first intake of students is expected in September 2026, with Year 1 delivered in classroom-based settings ahead of the completion of new facilities.
Depeuty Keira Keogh stated: “For years, families in our region have seen young people having to travel across the country or even abroad to study veterinary medicine.
"From 2026, students will be able to access a top-class veterinary programme here in the west.
"This isn’t just about education, it's about supporting farming families, keeping skills and talent in the region, and investing in our communities for the long term.”
President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn, welcomed the announcement.
She said: “This is an important step forward for our university and for the west and northwest, expanding opportunities for students to study veterinary medicine closer to home.
"The investment will allow ATU to build the facilities and expertise required to deliver high-quality veterinary education and research, while also supporting Ireland’s agri-food sector and wider society. We look forward to progressing the design and planning stage and to welcoming our first students in 2026.”
At full roll-out, the new veterinary schools at ATU and SETU will deliver 80 additional veterinary graduates per year, directly supporting Ireland’s agri-food sector and public health systems.
Both universities plan to welcome their first intake of 40 students in September 2026, with classroom-based Year 1 programmes starting while new facilities are under development.
The two institutions will adopt distinct models of delivery.
ATU will develop a full clinical facility on campus, ensuring students can complete their training in the west and northwest.
SETU will implement a distributed model, using a network of regional clinical training facilities.
This expansion builds on the existing provision at UCD and reflects the Government’s commitment to regional development and diversity in higher education delivery.
The Higher Education Authority will now work with both universities to begin the design and planning phase.