More vets in Cork

By Ellen O'Brien

The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) has welcomed 21 new vets and 14 new veterinary nurses from Cork to its register.

The council recently announced that 21 new vets and 14 new veterinary nurses from Cork were welcomed to the register in 2023. This is an increase from 2022 where 20 new vets in Cork were added to the register. The total number of vets and veterinary nurses on the Veterinary Council Register nationally currently stands at 3,522 and 1,263 respectively, which is an all-time high, the council said.

The VCI is the statutory body responsible for the regulation and management of the practise of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in the state.

Niamh Muldoon, CEO and Register of The Veterinary Council of Ireland said: “The Veterinary Council believe the influx of talent in the veterinary sector in 2023 will help to meet growing demand for veterinary services across Cork and Ireland as a whole.”

She added: “We recognise that veterinary recruitment and retention is a challenge in many areas across the country, in Ireland and abroad. Our Workforce Review Working Group will examine these challenges closely and develop recommendations to address these challenges.”

“The Government and Higher Education Authority are also considering proposals for additional capacity in veterinary places in third level institutions.”