That's the shocking news from Ireland's largest independent car rental company.

Dan Dooley Motors says there is a serious lack of cars in Ireland for rent.

And they say the shortage of cars could cost Ireland $260m over the all-important summer season.

The amount of cars available to hire in Ireland has fallen from 30,000 in 2006 to over 12,000 last year.

Dooley manager Pat Dooley says Easter will be a key indicator of shortages for the upcoming high season.

The lack of cars is being blamed on a lack of financing as Irish banks clamp down on lending.

Dooley says that Irish tourism will be the poorer because car rental costs in England, Scotland and Wales will be cheaper.