Businesses in Ennis and Kilrush are calling for increased measures to ensure value for money, following a second consecutive commercial rates increase.
With the three-year rates harmonisation process underway since last year, an increase in commercial rates was inevitable in 2017.
In Kilrush a rise of up to 4% is being faced by some businesses, though over three quarters will pay less than 1% extra next year.
Larger businesses in Ennis will pay up to 2.7% cent extra, but 80% of businesses will pay just over half a per cent in additional rates.
A number of commercial units remain unoccupied in Kilrush and Chamber executive member Jack Kelly says more should have been done to lure in new businesses.
There'll also be increased incentives for businesses whose rates are paid in full and this will be extended to the entire calender year.
But Ennis Chamber believes a structure needs to be put in place to level the playing field with bigger shopping centres in the likes of Limerick, Kildare Village and Dundrum.
Chamber President Jean MCabe fears that Ennis will be left behind if the council and business leaders don't come together to market the town's services.
