The Abbey Theatre is to remain on the north side of Dublin, but its future will not be decided before the general election. Following the Government's rejection of a free site for the National Theatre at Grand Canal Dock, the Cabinet is expected to be asked shortly for agreement that a new theatre be built in the city centre.
However, the theatre board - deeply frustrated by the delays in reaching a decision - is expected to make its unhappiness known to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera, following a board meeting on Tuesday. She had been expected to ask Cabinet colleagues last year for their agreement; however, it is not now expected to be put before them for some time.
Three options are being considered for the National Theatre, which celebrates its centenary in 2004. The first is to remain at Lower Abbey Street, buying adjoining buildings and carrying out a total refurbishment. Two other sites in the Dublin 1 area - the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern's, constituency - are also being considered.
It had been speculated that the Abbey might move to the former Carlton cinema site in O'Connell Street, but this is not being considered.
Early last summer the Office of Public Works delivered to Ms de Valera a report on the choices available. It is understood the theatre board requested a copy of this report but was told it was too commercially sensitive to be made public. The board fears that more delays in making an announcement will mean no decision will be taken before the election.
Last February the board announced it wanted to move to the south side of the Liffey, to a triangular site at the edge of Grand Canal Dock, which had been offered free by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.
The announcement angered the Government, and Mr Ahern issued a statement expressing his "surprise" and "disappointment".
Ms de Valera said in the Dáil in November that it was clear the existing premises were inadequate for the future needs of the theatre. It was her preference, "if at all possible", that the theatre would remain in Abbey Street.
The OPW has explored the possibility of acquiring additional space adjacent to the theatre building. However, it is understood this would involve negotiating with more than 20 land-owners, which would make it a costly and drawn-out exercise.