Athlone is a key town located on the border of County Roscommon and County Westmeath, situated on the River Shannon. It is the second most populous town in the Midlands Region, boasting a population of 22,869 according to the 2022 census. With proximity to Dublin, Athlone plays an essential role in Ireland's economic landscape. The town is home to several major employers across various sectors, including pharmaceutical companies such as Alkermes and Bioclin Laboratories, telecommunications giant Ericsson, and medical equipment suppliers like Tyco Healthcare and Utah Medical. Additionally, Athlone supports a multitude of state-run and semi-state organisations, including the Department of Education and the Revenue Commissioners. The Athlone Institute of Technology contributes to the educational framework of the town and serves as a resource for local industries. Athlone forms part of the Midlands Gateway, which aims to improve infrastructure in the region. The occupations with the largest number of open positions in Athlone include Engineering, Management, and Accounting.