The transatlantic portal connecting Dublin and New York City is now open once more, but will only be operational during specific hours to moderate any social misdemeanours. The entryway, kept dormant for some time by Flatiron NoMad, Portals.org, and Dublin City Council, was revived at 2pm Irish time and will be operating from 11am to 9pm henceforth.
In Ireland, the portal’s location provides a view of the GPO and Spire from O’Connell Street, while its counterpart is stationed at Flatiron South Public Plaza on Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd St in New York. Drawing tens of thousands of visitors and almost two billion internet views in under a week, the portal has made quite an impression.
There have been a few hiccups along the way, with visitors from both sides accused of indecent exposure and provoking each other with provocative imagery, such as pictures of the World Trade Center in flames and reminders of the Famine. Dublin City Council emphasised the positive aspects of the portal, expressing that the majority of visitors found the art installations joyous and engaging. The council also hinted at potential vandalism, and measures have been taken to prevent people from stepping onto and obstructing camera lenses.
The system now has a “proximal solution”, which blurred the live-stream if someone disrupts the interface. More adjustments will be made to guarantee undisturbed enjoyment of the portal. Moreover, the New York location will maintain on-site security at all times, as has been the case since its inauguration. Fencing has now been added to the New York portal for additional safety, and more signage and space stickers have been put in place to help manage crowds and guide visitors for optimal interaction.
The Dublin location is being equipped with structural aspects to aid in overseeing large groups. Benediktas Gylys, the designer said, “We, as people, are collectively shaping the Portals experience.” He further called on nearby communities not just to appreciate, but also to demonstrate concern for their Portals and the manner in which other members of the community interact with the statues.