Six cafe and restaurants have closed in the midlands in recent months.
Increasing the VAT rate for hospitality could add further to the cost of living.
That's one of the findings of a new report carried out by the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
It believes businesses are under severe pressure, with lower margins and rising costs across the board.
Six cafe and restaurants have closed in the midlands in recent months - with the pandemic, energy costs and staffing reasons being cited among the reasons for closures.
CEO of the Restaurants Association, Adrian Cummins says the government can afford to keep the 9% rate:
Management Can Easily End Industrial Action - SIPTU
Westmeath Credit Union Manager Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Midlands Readers Encouraged To Take Part in MS Readathon
Westmeath Town Strong Performer For Fibre Broadband
Ireland's Oldest Living Person With EB Publishes Autobiography
Fund Midlands Councils To Build Housing On Public Land - Simon Community
Midlands Councils Boost Environmental Enforcement Performance
Offaly Food Workers Launch Industrial Action
Public Consultation Taking Place In The Midlands
Man Due In Court Over Armed Pharmacy Robbery In Offaly
Offaly Man Appointed President Of EU Body
Rising Rents Affecting Midlands HAP Tenants
Calls To Fast Track Wastewater Works After Flooding In Offaly
Man Arrested After Attempted Armed Robbery In Offaly
Westmeath Carpark To Reopen As Drainage Project Nears Completion
Midlands CPO's Up Significantly
Midlands Bring Home 2025 Heritage Awards
Offaly Attraction Appoints New General Manager
Midlands MEP Urges Better Pay For Construction Apprenticeships
European Commission Propose CAP Funding Boost