A ‘small minority’ ruining Dublin Portal experience

Dublin Portal has been experiencing some turbulence since its grand opening on May 8, 2024. The Portal, a 24/7 livestream art installation linking Dublin to New York, has been the talk of the town – but not always for the right reasons.

A “small minority” of individuals have been engaging in “inappropriate behavior” near the Portal, leading Dublin City Council to announce technical changes to the way the Portal operates. These changes are expected to go live within the next 24 hours, with the aim of addressing the issues that have arisen.

Despite the negative incidents, the overwhelming majority of interactions have been positive. People have enjoyed the unique opportunity to see and interact with individuals in New York in real-time, leading to wholesome moments like Irish dancing and even a proposal. However, the actions of a few have cast a shadow over the project, with reports of people flashing body parts, displaying offensive images on their phones, and even engaging in provocative dancing.

The Dublin Portal is part of a larger initiative, with plans to connect Dublin with other cities such as those in Poland, Brazil, and Lithuania. The hope is that these technical changes will allow the Portal to continue delivering a positive experience for both Dublin and New York, as well as the world at large.

So, while a few bad apples may have tried to spoil the bunch, the spirit of the Portal remains one of unity and connection. As we look forward to the technical updates, let’s hope the Portal can continue to serve as a window to other cultures, fostering understanding and respect between people on opposite sides of the Atlantic.