EirGrid has announced an investment of €500m in the construction of a new power line linking Leinster & 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 in the country.
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 Bryne said that EirGrid currently had a blank canvas, and that while the company knew "where we want to get from and to" they were looking to discover areas of constraints.
The IFA and EirGrid are to meet in the coming days to discuss the project.
"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,'' commented IFA National Environment and Rural Affairs Chairman Harold Kingston
"The planned grid development by EirGrid will cause significant disturbance for the many farmers along the route in the counties affected,'' he said.
''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,'' he added.
