In the beginning the Grangegorman move seemed like an excellent plan. However it quickly became mired in confusion and delays.

The DIT began look for a campus when the constituent colleges came together in 1992. Initially is set its cap at Collins Barracks. When this went to the National Museum instead, the DIT turned its attention to Grangegorman.

In December 1999, the Government approved the DIT's plans to acquire approximately 65 acres of the 90-acre site. The Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA), the current owners of the site, were to retain the remainder.

There was no move to the site following the 1999 decision. Then, in May 2001, an interdepartmental group was set up to review the matter. This group reported back to the Government more than three months ago and the matter is now awaiting a Cabinet decision.

The reason the review group was established is unclear, but sources speculate that it was a delaying tactic.

The reason for the delay is widely held to be financial. In 1994 the site was valued at £14 million. By 2000 its value had increased to £117 million.

The most recent valuation given to the ERHA in the last two months was €55 million (£43.5 million). This dramatic drop apparently takes into account the fact that there are 11 listed buildings on the site which must be preserved.

The current speculation, both within the college and in political circles, is that the Taoiseach is "storing" the decision for the forthcoming general election.

DIT president Brendan Goldsmith rejects this and is holding firmly to the line that the decision is just part of a process.

Darker rumours suggest the decision will not happen this side of the election and that difficulties surrounding the value of the site may further hamper the DIT's aspirations.