The New York installation, located at the Flatiron South Public Plaza, and its Dublin counterpart on O’Connell Street, have been temporarily deactivated starting 5 p.m. Tuesday local time in New York. This decision was made by the organizers, including the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in New York, who cited a need to address and limit the inappropriate behavior displayed by a minority of the portal’s users.
Despite these challenges, the organizers emphasized that they have robust measures in place to ensure visitor safety and appropriate use, including 24/7 on-site security and physical barriers. They are also exploring additional solutions to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The portals project, which was officially launched earlier this year, has been celebrated for its innovative approach to enhancing global connectivity and cultural exchange. Daithí de Róiste, Dublin’s Lord Mayor, expressed his vision of the project as a means to make the city more inclusive and to strengthen the cultural bond between Dublin and New York. He highlighted that the project aligns with Dublin’s designation as the 2024 EU Capital of Smart Tourism.
Looking ahead, Dublin plans to expand its portal connections to include cities in Poland, Brazil, and Lithuania come July, furthering the project’s objective to link diverse communities across the globe.
The initiative has been well-received, with both Dubliners and visitors encouraged to interact with the portal to extend a warm Irish welcome to counterparts in cities worldwide. The portals project is not just a technological endeavor but a cultural one, aiming to allow people to explore and connect with different cultures beyond their immediate social circles.
This isn’t the first time such a real-time urban connection has been established; the first portals linked Vilnius, Lithuania with Lublin, Poland in 2021. The ongoing developments and the temporary closure in New York and Dublin reflect the complexities and challenges of maintaining such an innovative public interaction platform.
As the organizers work on solutions, the temporary closure serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with global connectivity and the importance of respectful interaction in public digital spaces. The portals are expected to resume operation once appropriate measures are taken to ensure they can continue to serve their purpose safely and effectively.
