An Irish Times photograph of a travellers' encampment on the side of the Sugar Loaf mountain in Co Wicklow was discussed at this week's meeting of Wicklow County Council.
Asking that the council include on its agenda a special discussion on the implications of the photograph and the accompanying article, Mr Joe Behan (FF) said the picture had amounted to "negative publicity but it was truthful".
Mr Behan said councillors should accept the truth "that the car park at the mountain was basically inaccessible to members of the public during the summer months.
"We should ensure a reasoned discussion on whether or not we should appoint caretakers or staff or charge a fee for the car park to keep it free from illegal encampments."
While the publicity was negative, he said that he did not blame the reporter or photographer.