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:
Laois Gardaí Concerned For Missing Woman
Gardaí Searching For Missing Laois Teenager
Man In His 90s Dies In Laois Crash
Offaly Prize Bonds Holder Wins €500k
BNM Workshop Reunion Taking Place In Offaly Tomorrow
ICTU Reminds Employees Of The Right To Disconnect
Laois Town To Host Famine Commemoration Event
Plans For Billion Euro Data Centre In Westmeath Face New Appeal
Westmeath Councillor Advocates For More Remote Working Hubs
Midlands Homelessness On The Rise
Hundreds Without Power In Westmeath
Westmeath Domestic Abuse Support Service Reports Rise In Cases
Laois TD Highlights GP Gap
Call Made For 'Cost Of Disability Payment' in Budget 2027
Offaly Coffee Shop Listed Among Top 100 In Europe
Man To Stand Trial Over Midlands Tasering Accusation
Another Report Underlines Midlands House Price Inflation
Midlands Braced For Severe Thunderstorms
Sustainable Livestock Village Programme Launched For Tullamore Show
Offaly Woman Named National Carer Of The Year