WATCH: Dublin 'portal' to New York opens again with set hours and security

The Dublin to New York portal has opened again after it was shut down due to inappropriate behaviour. 

Dublin City Council is encouraging people in the capital to come and "wave to some folks in the Big Apple" now that the portal - which faces the Spire and the GPO - is running again. 

The portal allows real-time interaction between citizens in Dublin and NYC and, according to RTÉ, will remain open with set hours and security measures in place. 

A number of incidents of lewd conduct and inappropriate behaviour led to the temporary closure of the portal last week. 

According to RTÉ, the live stream will now operate daily from 6am to 4pm in New York and 11am to 9pm in Dublin. 

In a video posted by Dublin City Council on X this afternoon (May 19), a man in a reflective vest can be seen with 'Dublin Portal Ambassador' printed on the back. 

A council statement reportedly released to RTÉ details a new security measure to ensure people do not step on the portal sculpture. 

The Portals.org team has implemented a proximity-based solution whereby the livestream will blur for people on both sides if someone steps on the sculpture and obscures the camera. 

Fencing has reportedly also been installed in front of the New York sculpture, and on-site security will operate during the set operating hours. 

Although measures have been put in place to ensure the portal is not shut down again, some social media users remain sceptical. 

One X user commented, "I give it 12 hours before they have to shut it down again." 

Another commented, "Complete waste of money, [sic] stupid idea. Won't be long before it's taken down for good." 

The Portal is awake again, come wave to some folks in the Big Apple!! pic.twitter.com/ldy5p4W0qa

— Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) May 19, 2024