A lack of electric vehicle charging points in rural areas is damaging local village economies.
That's the view of Leitrim Councillor Paddy O'Rourke who believes EV drivers are avoiding visiting rural tourism spots due to the lack of charging infrastructure.
He argues that these motorists are sticking to regional or bigger towns where they can ensure their vehicle remains charged.
This is resulting in businesses within smaller towns or villages losing out on customers.
He called for an update on the council's work in expanding the local charger network.
In response to Councillor O'Rourke, a council spokesperson said that the installation of EV charging points was part of a Government plan and that no local authority could cover a role out on their own.
Speaking at the September meeting of Leitrim County Council the Councillor says the renewed interest in domestic tourism is not being realised locally in this regard:
They find themselves coming to the end of life of their current charge that they have and they get worried that there are no charging facilities in those small areas.
They tend to avoid them the next day they are out and with that, they bring their spending power and their engagement as tourists in the area to larger centres which is very concerning.
