A massive fire has ripped through a recycling and scrap metal facility near Dublin Airport.

Residents in the St Margaret’s area and others downwind of the blaze in the Sandyhill area were warned to close windows in homes and businesses as fire crews battled to bring it under control.

The plume of smoke billowing from the scrap metal plant and car breakers’ yard could be seen for miles around.

Dublin Airport said the fire was not on the airport campus and the smoke was not affecting flights.

Dublin Fire Brigade said eight crews had been deployed to the site and it was co-ordinating with the Irish Aviation Authority as it was using a drone to help direct resources.