The Irish Times had a piece today about photography in “public” areas. more often than not, so called public areas are management company controlled fiefdoms - especially if owned by the State (like the IFSC). The Irish Times asked both the RPA and IR about photography on their respective “property” (i.e. our property).
The RPA repeated the parrot line about the bye laws not permitting photography as it “interferes” with other people. Bull shit. Others have been told that cameras will be confiscated. This is called theft. Others have been told that Veolia own the copyright in the tram. Bullshit. I was in Montpelier recently and saw the same trams there. In addition, the European copyright directive expressly states that the copyright in a photograph rests with the taker - even in the case of a structure (which would include a tram or a tram stop) - and not with the structure owner.
Finally, there is the issue of freedom of expression. The courts have declared begging to be a constitutionally protected form of freedom of expression. I would take the view that taking photographs is similarly protected.
And now to Irish Rail. Normally, this is where I would be off on a rant about what right do they have to do this. They surprised me (for the second time in as many weeks!). Barry Kenny is quoted as stating that they have no problem with hand held cameras and that they are used to railway enthusiasts taking photographs. Tripods require a permit and indemnity (fair enough - I have a tripod, somewhere - I never use it!). Maybe for trainspotters (i.e. taking photographs of moving trains) a tripod is of benefit. Personally, I have no interest in trains and I find that buildings don’t move so carrying a tripod is just a pain in the a***.
Long may IRs policy continue and may the RPA/Veolia see sense over time. After all, I’d hate to be the one to start arresting LUAS drivers for blocking box junctions and as for the uncollected litter at your stops….