Christmas Opening Times 2025, Recycling Centres, Safety Message, Christmas Tree recycling etc

As the festive season approaches, Fingal County Council is reminding everyone to make safety a priority, whether you’re travelling, taking part in a Christmas swim, or celebrating at home. This time of year brings joy, but also increased risks on our roads, in the water, and around the home.

Read full safety message HERE

Road safety – Plan ahead and drive responsibly

• Designate a driver.
• Plan your public transport route or walk where it’s safe to do so.
• Book a taxi.
• Never drink and drive or use drugs and drive.
• Slow down and follow speed limits.
• Always wear your seatbelt. If you are driving, it is your responsibility to ensure all passengers have buckled up.
• If you feel sleepy, pull in safely, grab a caffeinated drink, and rest before continuing.
• With darker days and unpredictable weather, allow extra time for your journey, don’t rush.
• Avoid distractions. Put your phone away and focus on driving.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, especially in icy or wet conditions.
• Check your vehicle before travelling: tyres, lights, and wipers.
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Water safety – Hot tips for cold water 

• Check the tides and weather conditions before getting in.
• Wear a brightly coloured swim cap for visibility.
• Enter the water slowly to avoid cold water shock.
• Never swim alone.
• Warm up quickly after your swim before you get too cold.
• Avoid alcohol before swimming. It increases risk and reduces awareness.
• Know your limits. Cold water can affect breathing and strength rapidly.

Home & fire safety – Keep your Christmas bright and safe

• Check your Christmas lights for frayed wires or damage before use.
• Never overload sockets. Use proper extension leads.
• Turn off lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
• Keep candles away from decorations and curtains.
• Ensure smoke alarms are working and test them regularly.
• Keep exits clear in case of emergency.
• Don’t leave cooking unattended. Most fires start in the kitchen.

See below the Christmas opening hours for both Recycling Centres below. 

Estuary and Coolmine Recycling Centres

• 23rd December – 8.00am to 8.00pm (Last vehicle entry 7.30pm)
• 24th December – 8.00am to 12.00pm (Last vehicle entry is 11.30am)
• 25th December – Closed
• 26th December – Closed
• 27th December – Closed
• 28th December – Closed
• 29th December – 8.00am – 6.00pm (Last vehicle entry is 5.30pm)
• 30th December – 8.00am – 6.00pm (Last vehicle entry is 5.30pm)
• 31st December - 8.00am to 12.00pm (Last vehicle entry is 11.30am)
• 1st January – Closed
• 2nd January – Resume Usual Opening Hours

Monday – Friday 8.00am-8.00pm (Last vehicle entry is 7.30pm)

Saturday 8.00am – 6.00pm (Last vehicle entry is 5.30pm)

See full details regarding Recycling Centres

Christmas Tree Collection Points

Christmas Tree Collection Points 2nd – 16th January 2026

Download here: Christmas Tree Collection Points

Balbriggan/Rush/Lusk

(Enquiries – Operations Depot, email:  [email protected]

• Bath Road Car Park, Balbriggan
• Barnageeragh Carpark, Balbriggan Road
• Hayestown Open Space, Rush
• Orlynn Park Entrance, Access from Dublin Road, Lusk

Swords/Donabate/Portrane

(Enquiries - Operations Depot, email:   [email protected]

• Estuary Recycling Centre (normal opening hours only).
• Rathingle Playing Fields Car Park
• Swords Manor pitches
• Donabate Community Centre Car Park (Formerly The Square, Donabate)
• The Brook, Portrane
• Santry Demesne Car Park

Malahide/Portmarnock/Baldoyle/Howth

(Enquiries – Operations Depot, email:  [email protected]

• Public Car Park, Back Road, Malahide Demesne
• Public Car Park, Strand Road, Portmarnock
• Kettles Park, Kinsealy
• The Banks Car Park, Malahide
• New Temporary Carpark, Racecourse Park, Baldoyle
• Sutton Park, Sutton
• Harbour Car Park, Howth

Blanchardstown/Castleknock

(Enquiries – Operations Depot, email:  strong>[email protected]

• Millennium Park Car Park, Snugborough Road Extension Coolmine – park opening hours only.
• Hartstown Park Car Park
• St. Catherine’s Park Car Park – park opening hours only.

• Please note that only Christmas trees will be accepted at the above locations, other green waste, Christmas tree stands, etc. will not be accepted

Please ensure that you use the bring banks in a correct manner this Christmas. Should they be full, please use an alternative bring bank locally or visit either of the Council’s Recycling Centres located at the Estuary in Swords and Coolmine, Dublin 15, respectively.

Please do not leave any boxes, lids, clothes, or any other waste behind as you may be liable to a prosecution under the Litter Acts.

If you experience any issues with the bring banks over the Christmas period, please note the following details:

1. Textile banks TRL can be contacted by email at:   [email protected] .
2. Bottle and can banks: Glassco can be contacted by email at: [email protected]</span> or phone at 01-6854400.

 Happy Christmas from the Environment department in Fingal County Council.

CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS FOR LODGING BUILDING CONTROL APPLICATIONS WITH FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
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The latest date for receipt of hard copy Fire Safety, Revised Fire Safety and Regularisation Certificate applications by Fingal County Council is 12:00 hrs on Wednesday 17th December 2025.

BCMS Notice: The latest date for receipt of Commencement Notices and Certificates of Compliance on Completion and Applications (Fire Safety Certificates, Disability Access Certificates, Dispensations and Relaxations) including Further or Revised Information to BCMS online system is 23:59 hrs on Friday 19th December 2025. BCMS will reopen for submissions at 00:01 on the 2nd January 2026. 

All applications received after this time will be considered to have been received on Friday 2nd January 2026.
Please ensure that applications and notices are submitted in a timely manner to allow adequate time for their processing (validation).
 

Tips & Tricks for a Green Christmas

We can all contribute to making Christmas greener by implementing some simple actions to reduce our environmental impact. Some ideas include:

• only purchasing what we need

• gifting experiences like spa, cinema, or theatre tickets

• choosing a live tree that can be replanted

• making homemade cards and gift wrap

• preventing food waste

• ensuring to think reduce, reuse, and recycle

See https://mywaste.ie/sustainability/green-christmas/ for some hints and tips for a greener Christmas