A Rathmines local has created a Twitter account targeting an intrusive LED board that is plaguing local residents.
The advertising board, located on Rathmines Road Lower, beams bright light into houses that lie metres away 24/7. Dublin City Council responded to previous objections about the board by introducing a ‘fade’ transition, in order to prevent the bright flash emitted between adverts appearing on screen.
However, the issue continues to affect local residents, who argue that the bright light continues to stream into their homes day or not. Briain, who lives around eight metres away from the board, decided to set up a Twitter account that directly challenges advertisers who choose to use the sign. The page is named “Rathmines Eye” as one of the most noticeable ads on the board features an ominous glowing eye.
READ MORE: Green Party councillor slams 'politicisation' of ban on live animal crib
Briain told Dublin Live: “The Twitter page was set up to ask those advertisers why they would want to associate their brand with what is the most anti-social advertising in the country. People presume it just affects us at night, but it’s a daytime issue too. Different coloured lights are flashing every 10 seconds, it’s like a camera flash going off over and over.”
The board was turned on back in September and affects young children. Briain’s young daughter has had to switch bedrooms due to the intrusive light beaming into her room. He adds that neighbours who have a young baby are just five metres away from the board, and are also struggling.
He hopes the Twitter page will encourage people in any area who may be affected by LED boards to take a stand against their imposition. While measures such as fade transitions may attempt to lessen the brightness, he adds that boards such as these should never be in residential areas regardless.
He said: “The people who put it up are choosing to make life unpleasant for people they’ve never met. I set the Twitter page up to ask each brand publicly why they’re making that choice and see what they have to say about it. There was a large amount of uproar when the board first went up and they subsequently pulled their advertising. Some weeks later, they’re trying to restart the process.”
The Twitter page has gained attention from some community based accounts lobbying against the use of electronic boards in built up areas. However, Briain says its original aim was to show advertisers the strain families and residents are being burdened with on a daily basis.
Dublin City Council declined to comment on the issue.
READ MORE
Young Dubliner 'DJ Marley' steals Halloween with fantastic wheelchair-accessible costume made by dad
Fire in north Dublin public toilet among 169 Halloween-related fire brigade callouts
Three warning signs you are being targeted in new scam, according to Bank of Ireland
Dublin jobs: EY creating 900 new roles in Ireland including 350 graduate positions
Conor McGregor's mum wears black face as she poses alongside UFC star for Halloween
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
