The Minister for the Environment has vowed to introduce policies which he says will ensure that the incinerator in Dublin will become redundant.
An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for the incinerator at Poolbeg.
Permission was granted subject to 13 conditions, one of which stipulates that most deliveries of waste should be via the M50 and the Dublin Port Tunnel.
The Opposition has said John Gormley has failed to uphold his election promises and has failed his constituents.
Dublin City Council says it aims to recycle nearly 60% of the capital's waste, but contends 25% has to be burned.
The council contends that thermal treatment is better than landfill because the plant would not just burn rubbish, but would provide electricity for up to 50,000 homes and district heating for up to 60,000 more.
Mr Gormley said he was very disappointed, but hoped his new review of national waste policy would ensure it is never built.
A statement issued by the Sandymount and Merrion Residents' Association said the decision ignored EU Directives in regard to environmental policy and the international importance of Dublin Bay and the Poolbeg lands for Conservation and Special Protection.
