Bernard O'Shea: Why not try a Dublin-style portal in twinned towns around Ireland?

Despite facing issues like inappropriate behaviour and technical challenges, the portal holds potential for sustainable ideas

People view the live stream portal between Dublin and New York which was temporarily closed following some "inappropriate behaviour" in the Irish capital, which has led to changes in how the visual link operates. Thousands of people have visited the two-way live-stream portal, which gives a real-time view of New York. The 24/7 stream is situated in north Dublin, facing O'Connell Street, while the American installation is on North Earl Street. Issue date: Monday May 13, 2024.

“It’s amazing to see New York from Dublin,” said John Plummer, visiting from Drogheda, referring to the Dublin-New York livestream portal. Installed just off O’Connell Street in Dublin and in the iconic Flatiron district in Manhattan, this round-the-clock visual link has the potential to be more than just a digital curiosity. However, the portal has faced significant issues, including inappropriate behaviour, technical challenges, and public backlash.

Since its inception, the Dublin-New York portal had its share of problems. Instances of inappropriate behaviour, such as flashing, displaying offensive symbols, and showing images of the 9/11 attacks, quickly spread on social media, leading to a global media frenzy. One notable incident involved an OnlyFans model lifting her shirt in New York. These actions prompted swift reactions from city officials, who temporarily shut down the portal.