'Knockagh-on-Ice' roundabout comes in for 'skating' criticism from councillor

Local motorists describe the Knockagh roundabout outside Cahir as “Knockagh-on -Ice” such is the slippery condition of the surface, according to Cahir councillor Andy Moloney.

He has accused Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the agency with responsibility for the stretch of road, of ‘giving us the two fingers’ over their delay in taking action.

He told a meeting of Tipperary County Council that motorists travelling between Cahir and Clonmel are skating on the surface and while it was unlikely that there would be any fatalities, there was always a risk.

He reported that there had recently been a collision on the roundabout and there were serious insurance implications for motorists. The number of cars hitting the barriers was “crazy”, he stated.

“I asked for warning signs of the slippery conditions to be placed on the approach roads to the roundabout but the TII are fobbing us off. Some signs were blown away and then they put up 3x2 poles 8 feet long. TII are giving us the two fingers and I would be embarrassed if it had been the council that had done this,” he told the meeting.

Director of Services, Marcus O’Connor, told Cllr Moloney that he understood his frustration on the issue. “We have raised the matter with TII and it is on their radar,” he remarked.

Mr O’Connor added that the council has a scheme planned to improve the roadway over a 1.5km stretch on the Clonmel side of the roundabout.