Luas 'mess' threatens delay and cost hike

THE troubled Luas project could be delayed a further nine months and cost at least an extra €20m it emerged last night.

As Transport Minister Seamus Brennan announced a possible €20m flyover mounted on stilts to avoid further congestion at the Red Cow Roundabout, officials from the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA) warned a new Environmental Impact Study (EIS) may be required.

As Mr Brennan called the Red Cow section of the Luas "a mess" and a "huge mistake", RPA director of corporate services Gerard Hannon warned an EIS could take nine months to complete and may necessitate a public inquiry.