Emergency repair works are to begin on the lock gates at Tarmonbarry on the River Shannon in the coming days.
The works are being carried out to prevent the possibility of the gate collapsing into the lock after significant damage was noticed in recent months.
Brian Tracey, who is a senior engineer with Waterways Ireland on the north Shannon, says while these historic structures were built to last, it's inevitable that some deterioration will happen.
He says the recent cold weather snaps seem to have made the damage to the gates worse, and they need to have them working because they're also used to help manage the water levels on the river.
The works are due to begin on the 8th of next month and the lock will be closed until the 28th of April.
Brian Tracey says they're hoping to start the works as soon as possible to prevent more damage:
