They believe the decision not to change local property tax is causing the increase.
Athlone Chamber of Commerce is concerned at a proposal to raise the commercial tax in Westmeath by six per cent.
Chamber president, John McGrath, says they have questions around the manner in which the local authority is proposing the idea.
He says the decision to not increase the local property tax by 15% as recommended by the council's executive is causing this jump in commerical rates.
The revenue would be used to fund projects but Mr. McGrath doesn't feel it's fair to pile more pressure on businesses in the county, especially with so many already struggling to make ends meet:
Laois Gardaí Thanking Public After Finding Missing Woman
Missing Laois Teenager Found Safe And Well
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