Damage incurred by the wooden 'Dragon Slayer' sword in Waterford city is believed to be accidental.
So says John Hayes of Special Branch Carvings, who created the 23 metre long sculpture in 2017.
His comments come on foot of concerns raised on social media regarding the damage to the base of the sword.
Speaking to Déise Today, John says a plan is being put in place to repair what is the world's longest Viking sword.
"It's kind of victim of its own success in a sense," he says. "People love getting a selfie or Instagram picture on it. People have been climbing up on part of the sword to get a photo but not with malice."
He adds: "There was a never a sign put on it to say 'please don't climb on the sword'. It needs treatment to harden it up."
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