Work must begin immediately on developing the new veterinary school in ATU, which will provide a major boost to the educational offering of the Midlands-North West, MEP Maria Walsh has said.
MEP Walsh, member of the European Parliament’s Agricultural and Rural Development Committee, has long campaigned for Atlantic Technological University (ATU) to be the chosen location for the new school, working closely with ATU President Dr Orla Flynn and Head of Centre at Mountbellew Dr Edna Curley.
Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-North West, said:
“I am relieved to see the Government finally make the right decision in choosing ATU Mountbellew and Donegal as the location for one of Ireland’s two new veterinary schools. This will boost the regions’ standing and offering on a European, as well as a national, level.
“Today’s announcement signals that the future is bright for the West and North-West regions, ensuring they remain competitive and expand what they can offer young people going into the future.
“I spoke at ATU Mountbellew’s Aileen Cust Conference in 2022 celebrating a true trailblazer; the first Irish woman veterinary surgeon. The North Galway region has a rich history of innovative and forward thinking agriculture leaders like Aileen. It’s in the DNA of Mountbellew.
“I am disappointed that the process took as long as it did, but ATU now has a clear mandate to work from. Crucially, secondary school students now know that studying veterinary medicine in the West of Ireland can be at the top of their CAO application. All roads don’t have to lead to Dublin!
“After years of campaigning and lobbying Taoiseach Simon Harris, in his previous and current departments, the real work starts now. Given the difficulties students face in finding a place to live, one of my top priorities will be working with both Letterkenny and Mountbellew to ensure purpose built student accommodation is in place to house the current student population as well as the future, increased demand.
“Time is of the essence to get students through the door and into classrooms. Working with Dr Flynn and Dr Curley, we will ensure the financial support is available from Minister Patrick O’Donovan’s Department to ensure ATU can be ready for applications in the next academic year.”
