New medicine programme announced at University of Limerick under €130m fund

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Innovation, Research and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD has launched a new medical programme for University of Limerick (UL), on campus.

This is part of a wider national announcement of €130m for the creation of six new programmes in universities across Ireland. 

The National Training Fund will support the growth of key healthcare disciplines, addressing “critical workforce shortages” and “enhancing healthcare education across the country”. 

Under this fund, UL will have a direct entry medicine programme. This new programme means that Leaving Cert students who are looking to study medicine can come to UL to study undergraduate medicine, which Minister O’Donovan described as ‘transformative’ for the university.

“Today is historic and it cannot be understated the significance of this announcement,” said Minister O'Donovan at a press briefing in Plassey House, UL. 

“If I had any doubt, I wouldn't be here today, if the numbers didn't add up - this is a journey that is only starting and is by no means the ending.

“As a local person, I am delighted to launch it here in UL”.

Read Also: Partner of Clare TD handed suspended sentence for driving without a licence

Building on its expertise as a provider of Graduate Entry Medicine, UL is set to play a key role in addressing Ireland’s need for more medical professionals.

“This significant development underscores the University’s pivotal role in the region and our unwavering commitment to advancing education and healthcare,” said acting president of UL, Professor Shane Kilcommins.

“The introduction of this course comes at a crucial time when the need for doctors in the workforce has never been greater. 

“This initiative will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape, both locally and nationally.”

Clare TD Cathal Crowe called the announcement "that the University of Limerick will soon be offering undergraduate Medicine is hugely welcome and will open the door to many students in the region who wish to pursue medicine".

"Previously, students from Clare, Limerick and Tipperary who wished to become doctors had to study elsewhere and then had the option to return to University of Limerick for postgraduate medical training," the Fianna Fail TD said.

"This announcement allows the potential for students from the Mid-West to do all of their medical training in the region and enter the workforce here afterwards."

Deputy Crowe also welcomed confirmation of a new programme in the University of Galway, a Rural and Remote Graduate Entry Medicine stream aimed at addressing the shortage of general practitioners in rural Ireland.

Additionally, the Royal College of Surgeons will receive support for their Dental Surgery programme and three new pharmacy programmes will be introduced in Atlantic Technological University, South East Technological University, and University of Galway.  

The new programmes are part of a broader government strategy to expand veterinary and healthcare education and ensure a steady pipeline of qualified professionals to meet the needs of Ireland’s growing population. 

Read more Local News stories on Clare Live