Dublin’s Portal: chaos, controversy, and triumph

Dublin’s Portal was meant to be a bridge–a real-time digital window connecting strangers across the Atlantic. Instead, when it launched in May 2024, it became a lightning rod for debate, attracting global attention for all the right and wrong reasons.

The Portal, designed to connect Dublin and New York through live video, faced significant controversy shortly after its launch due to instances of inappropriate behaviour. Users displayed offensive content, including explicit imagery and disturbing videos, leading to temporary shutdowns and heightened security measures.

As the world tuned in, Dublin’s Smart City Manager, Jamie Cudden, found himself at the heart of an unfolding media storm.

“The first week or two, I didn’t get much sleep,” Cudden admited. “It just went completely viral. Even before it launched, millions of impressions.”

The Portal, a giant circular screen linking Dublin with New York, was an experiment in technology and human connection. Cudden’s reflections on the experience are part of the first episode of Dublin City Council’s new podcast, What’s the Story, Dublin? –a fresh approach to give residents an insider look at key city projects.

“We knew it was a big idea, but we didn’t realise the scale,” Cudden reflected. “I remember bringing it to our Chief Executive and some of the management team… and they thought it was great. They were like, ‘Let’s just do it.’” Then, suddenly, “every newspaper in the world was on to [us]—The Tonight Show, CNN, USA Today, The Guardian. Even Netflix were looking to do a documentary.”

However, the launch was not without its critics.

“Some people say, ‘Was it just Zoom?’ But actually… there’s something very emotional around how you connect with people. You wave, you smile, you see new people from different cultures and places.”

Despite the early backlash, the Portal became a huge success, attracting over half a million visitors in its first few months.

“It was an amazing reflection of people and society,” Cudden said. “Internally, within Dublin City Council, everyone got together and said, ‘We’re not going to let this fail.’”

Now, as the Irish capital expands its communication efforts, What’s the Story, Dublin? aims to offer a new perspective on the city’s work, giving residents a behind-the-scenes look at key projects.

Hosted by Deirdre Molumby, the podcast will explore various aspects of city life, from smart cities to housing and transport.

“I believe [it] will explain the great work the council does in an accessible way. I learned so much myself just from recording it,” Molumby said in a statement.

Future episodes aim to deepen public engagement, covering initiatives and personal stories from those shaping Dublin’s future.

For Cudden, the Portal was more than a project–it was a lesson in boldness and resilience.

“We had the backing of our Chief Executive,” he said. “There’s not many cities that would have been as brave to do something like this.”

Image: Tupungato | Dreamstime.com