SOME 40 veterinary medicine graduates will be rolled out each year from Mountbellew Agricultural College following the official announcement of the new courses by Minister Charlie McConalogue yesterday (Wednesday).

The Agriculture Minister announced the establishment of two new schools of veterinary medicine, one in Mountbellew and the other in Donegal.

The announcement has been welcomed in the North Galway town with local public representatives saying that it was both a vote of confidence in Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Mountbellew as well as providing an economic boost for the area.

Cllr. Pete Roche (FG), who is Chair of Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board, described it as one of the biggest announcements for Mountbellew in recent years.

“It is incredible to think that Mountbellew will be providing the facilities for students to realise their ambition of becoming vets and spreading their skills to various parts of the country.

“I know from dealing with the farming community on a daily basis, there is a chronic shortage of vets and now this situation can be addressed through this essential course in Mountbellew,” added Cllr. Roche.

Cllr. Andrew Reddington (FG), a past pupil of Mountbellew Agricultural College, said that it was nothing more than what the college deserved. “From my experience, and if it’s anything to go by, these veterinary students will get the best education and training possible,” he added.

The provision of the veterinary medicine school had been flagged several months ago but the official confirmation came just yesterday. Between the two schools, it will represent an investment of €50 million in capital expenditure.

Minister McConalogue said that the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine will be a dual campus programme, and it is anticipated that students will spend up to two semesters on the Mountbellew farm.

This will involve engagement with veterinary practices in the region. Other teaching and learning activities include engagement with the programme’s clinical facilities.

As far as Mountbellew is concerned there will be an initial intake of 30 students in September 2025 and the first intake of 40 students will take place in September 2026, according to the Minister.

Minister Charlie McConalogue described Mountbellew’s submission for the veterinary college as ‘superb’. He said that a number of independent experts looked at the Mountbellew application. “We need more veterinary schools in Ireland and stop our young people having to go abroad to study veterinary medicine,” he added.

The Minister said that it was important that the schools needed to be located in rural parts of the country to meet the needs of the farming community. It would also give students a better understanding of what is required in these areas.

Pictured: Mountbellew ATU and Agricultural College now to be part of the new graduate veterinary training programme.