(Pictured) Professor Nigel Scollan, director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's University, Belfast.

Expertise is already in place to deliver a veterinary curriculum, says director.

The Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast has welcomed the announcement that the Northern Irish government is considering the possibility of establishing a veterinary school in the area.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) announced last week that it has commissioned an options analysis to increase veterinary supply in Northern Ireland. This includes consideration around opening a veterinary school locally.

IGFS director Professor Nigel Scollan said: "This is very welcome news. The need for a veterinary school for Northern Ireland is evident and pressing and the strategic timing is very appropriate.

"There is considerable relevant expertise already based within Queen's, AFBI, Ulster University, CAFRE, DAERA, and within the commercial animal-health sector to deliver a veterinary curriculum and contribute to wider health and life sciences.

"As well as providing skilled professionals, a veterinary school would deliver research and innovation activities that would drive economic growth and attract inward investment."

Currently, those wishing to study veterinary science at degree level in Northern Ireland have no option but to go to the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain or further afield to do so. The new options analysis aims to improve Northern Ireland's ability to provide veterinary training, thereby increasing its long term supply of veterinary staff.

The options analysis will be taken forward by DAERA, in partnership with the Strategic Investment Board, under the joint oversight of DAERA’s chief veterinary officer and senior representatives from Queen’s and Ulster universities.

An announcement on the best potential outcome is expected to be complete before the end of the year.

Image (c) IGFS.