I want to stand for election, says Youghal entrepreneur and author

A YOUGHAL entrepreneur who owns a pre-school facility and recently had a children’s book published, has added another string to her bow - she is running for election.

Alison Curtin, 31, who owns Scamps And Rascals pre-school in Ladysbridge, is hoping to stand as a Fine Gael candidate in the local elections in East Cork.

“I love working with young kids,” says Alison, who graduated in 2014 with a BA Honours degree in Early Years Education from UCC. “It’s great fun!”

A year ago, she made a New Year resolution to write and publish a children’s book called The Pea and the Pansie start Big School. That was another success story for Alison.

“I have worked with young children for many years now and I always wanted to write about my experiences in the form of a children’s book,” she said, “to hopefully provide comfort during time of change and transition in a child’s school life. I completed the book in April and received great feedback about it.”

Now she has a new resolution for 2024: to run for office on Cork County Council.

When her book was published she got to meet a few elected representatives.

“The book was a really nice project, but I told no-one that I was working on it!” said Alison “I thoroughly enjoyed working on it and seeing it through to the end.

“I held an official book launch in the Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal in August, which David Stanton TD, and Cllr Mary Linehan Foley attended.”

So she has already rubbed shoulders with the powers-that-be?

Alison laughs.

“I have! I really enjoyed meeting David and Mary. It was a lovely occasion.”

Why is she now throwing her own hat into the ring and joining the robust world of election politics?

“I was thinking about getting involved in the county council because I always had interest in civic affairs,” says Alison.

“I am always asked questions by parents about how to access various supports for children and I like doing research to come up with good practical advice.

“Like many people, I’d like our areas where we live to be safe and amenable to everybody with proper footpaths and fewer pot-holes.”

Alison has achieved a lot.

“I am to this day an entrepreneur, business owner and employer, all by the age of 30.”

Youghal is a big part of her life.

“I have lived in Youghal all of my life and I had the best childhood there,” says Alison.

She has inherited the genes that care for community.

“I come from a family with a tradition of public service,” says Alison. “My mother, known to many as Kay Curtin, was recently elected as President of the Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism in recognition of her work for the good of the town over many years.

“To go back a bit further, my great grand uncle William Broderick was Chairman of Cork County Council for 30 years.

“I have always had an interest in politics, and I feel honoured to throw my hat into the ring, standing for the council as a Fine Gael representative.”

Alison is proud to have the opportunity to represent her community, helping to promote and better it.

“My both sets of grandparents, who are no longer with us, as Fine Gael supporters all their lives would be so proud to see me standing for office,” she.

“Coincidentally, my grandfather would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 18, the day of my nomination. He would have considered my nomination the best present ever.”

Alison has rubbed shoulders with the most powerful person in the land too.

“During the summer I had a great opportunity to speak to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during a visit to Youghal and East Cork about concerns in my local area.”

What did she say to Mr Varadkar?

“I began by commending him for how he carried us through the Covid-19 pandemic and I also highlighted the struggles childcare providers like myself, and others nationwide, are experiencing at the moment due to a particular factor; funding.”

Alison has plenty of areas where she wants to advocate for change.

“I believe that over the years, especially as a businesswoman working in childcare, that I have gained great qualities that assist me in working well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.”

What are those qualities?

“Patience, planning, time-keeping and observational skills, to name a few,” says Alison. “I also engage regularly with Tusla and Pobal and I have experienced what is involved in adhering to regulations and deadlines.”

How would she use all her experience?

“If I were to gain a seat as a Cork County Councillor, I would use the above qualities to tackle concerns and issues in the Youghal and East Cork area as well as a milestone approach similar to an approach I use in my everyday career.”

For example?

“For example, if a child is having trouble reaching a certain milestone for their age, as a childcare provider I observe, intervene, and arrange the relevant early years intervention.

“I aim to observe the milestones in Youghal and East Cork that are also not being reached and I will intervene the best I can do to achieve these.”

Youghal has gained some great amenities over the years.

“Yes, it has,” says Alison. “The boardwalk and extended boardwalk, the wastewater treatment plant, the greenway, and the clock gate tower - but there is room for more in Youghal.”

Alison has a compelling idea.

“With a modest budget, we could create a series of small, fun and unique play areas spaced between the front and north main street and market, and market them alongside existing assets such as our picturesque beaches and Perks amusement centre.

“This could be advertised as the Youghal Adventure Trail, encouraging families to park at Youghal beach and spend a number of hours exploring, resulting in an increase in spending on the main street. We need to put Youghal back on the map as the place families come to for a day out with the kids.”

Alison understands the role of councillor.

“I understand both the potential and the limitations of the role of councillor, and I am realistic in my plans,” she says.

“We all know that road safety on the N25 is a major issue. I believe I could secure, for example, new right-hand turning lanes into the petrol station in the Burgess area to prevent the road accidents which occur there regularly.”

Alison knows all about the dangers of the roads.

“I myself was involved in a serious collision at Burgess in February, 2022. My jaw was badly damaged by the impact. I am passionate about road safety. I learned quickly from this incident that a vehicle can be replaced but an individual cannot.”

Alison learned from the floods in October that towns and villages in East Cork should have access to better flood relief methods.

“I believe this is essential,” she says.

Alison believes in herself.

“The reason I am standing for the county council is that I believe, as a young female candidate with deep roots in Youghal town, that I can attract votes from across the political spectrum to return a fourth Fine Gael seat for the east Cork Municipal District,” she says.

Alison, in her ambitious endeavour, has a little help from her friends.

“I already have my own loyal team of 30 in training for the door-to-door canvassing,” she says, laughing.

“Even though their average age may only be three and a half, what they lack in political experience, they make up for in enthusiasm! Enthusiasm goes a long way!”