EirGrid has announced an investment of around €500m in the construction of a new power line linking Leinster and Munster.
The firm is responsible for the country's high voltage electricity transmission system.
The investment is being made to ensure long-term security of electricity supply, as well as boosting the prospects for economic growth.
The Irish Farmers' Association has called on EirGrid to work with its members to resolve any issues that arise.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, EirGrid Chief Executive Dermot Byrne said that today marked the beginning of the first stage, the consultation process.
Mr Byrne said that EirGrid currently had a blank canvas, and that while the company knew "where we want to get from and to" it was looking to discover areas of constraints.
In relation to Teresa Treacy, a landowner from Co Offaly who was jailed for refusing to allow works be carried out on her property, Mr Byrne said that that situation was "very regrettable".
However, when asked about allegations that people in Stradbally had been misled about the size of an EirGrid project, Mr Byrne said that it was absolutely not the case.
The IFA and EirGrid are to meet in the coming days to discuss the project.
In a statement, IFA National Environment and Rural Affairs Chairman Harold Kingston said: "The upgrade and development of the electricity network is important to ensure the improved competitiveness of the national economy and the development of renewable energy in Ireland.
"The planned grid development by EirGrid will cause significant disturbance for the many farmers along the route in the counties affected.
''It is essential that lessons are learned from the recent problems in the midlands.
"Particular attention must be paid to the concerns of farmers at route selection stage and all options in the planning phase must be considered."
