In its original configuration, with traffic signals governing many movements, it frequently had tailbacks several kilometres long on the routes leading to it.

Opened in 1990 as part of the M50 Western Parkway project, the junction was originally a grade-separated interchange from the point of view of M50 travellers; however, for N7 motorists it was a signal-controlled roundabout with negotiation of traffic lights required for all movements.

The actual name of the roundabout referred to the "Red Cow Inn", a landmark pub formerly in the vicinity.

Congestion was alleviated by providing a third level of grade-separation, allowing Dublin–Cork/Limerick traffic to travel from the M50 to the N7 without having to navigate a roundabout.

The junction upgrade was substantially complete by December 2008, with only minor finishing works outstanding.