The first TU in the history of the state, TU Dublin (formerly DIT, IT Blanchardstown and IT Tallaght), was established on 1 January 2019 followed by the second, Munster Technological University or MTU (formerly Cork IT and IT Tralee) on 1 January 2021 and the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (formerly Athlone and Limerick ITs) on 1 October 2021. On 2 November Minister Harris announced that he is proposing to approve the application by IT Carlow and Waterford IT to establish a TU in the South East early next year, subject to finalisation of some remaining technical and operational matters and with all parties are working toward establishment by 1 May 2022. Both Dundalk IT and IADT Dun Laoghaire are also working on trajectories to achieve TU status with the continued assistance of the Transformation Fund and with technical advice and support provided by the Higher Education Authority.