The proposal to run ESB power lines from Flag ford, Co Roscommon, to Srananagh, Co Sligo, has raised concerns among locals along the proposed route, who are planning to meet next week to discuss the plan.
Most people, however, acknowledge that the new power supply is essential for the economic regeneration of the north-west. The proposal involves constructing 63 km of 220 Kv power lines which will provide sufficient electricity power to the region.
John Dwyer, a farmer who owns 60 acres in Ballinameen in Co Roscommon, says the proposed pylons will be erected on high ground and will reduce the value of his land and interfere with possible development. "It's crossing the best vantage point for building homes for my children," he says.
He wants the ESB to run the lines underground or, failing that, to move them so they won't be as visually prominent. The ESB told him it would pay him £80 a year for the space each pylon took up on his land.
Mr Cyril McDermott, chairman of the Elphin IFA branch, says he knows of another landowner who is concerned that the power lines will run close to his house.
But the ESB has said it will not build lines less than 50 metres from buildings. Eugene Bergin, manager of transmission projects, also says it will not run lines parallel to roads where they will be visible.
The pylons are of a particular design and colour so as to have as little impact on the landscape as possible, Mr Bergin adds.
"These pylons are not particularly beautiful so we commissioned consultants to find out what designs are out there and what we can do to minimise the impact," he says.
The route of the power lines is in a curve through Sligo, which was done to avoid scenic areas. "This is the best possible route you could achieve," he says.
Mr Bergin says there is no possibility of running the lines underground. Such lines are between six and 10 times more expensive than overhead lines and take longer to repair when damaged.
A large company wanting to locate in the region would be put off if underground cables were installed, he adds.
He says the ESB is meeting local bodies and representatives to inform them of the proposal, which will be lodged in the planning departments of the Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon local authorities in September. He says it will meet delegates from any group who wish to discuss the proposal.
He rules out holding a public meeting on the issue, saying: "We find public meetings are the worst possible kind of forum to transfer information." However, a public meeting is something Mr David Knight, who campaigned against a previous proposal for power lines between Roscommon and Donegal which were not built, would like to see.
"My suggestion to the ESB is to call a public meeting soon," Mr Knight says.
The health aspect and the visual impact on the landscape are the biggest concerns among locals in relation to power line construction.
All sides in the debate, however, agree there is a need for better-quality electricity in the north-west.
Mr Colm Donlon, spokesman for the IDA, says the region cannot be marketed to certain types of industry at the moment because of the lack of a quality electricity supply. Pharmaceutical, healthcare and computer software firms could be attracted to the area if a proper supply of electricity were guaranteed.
Mr Adrian Leddy, IFA representative for the region, says while it will represent farmers and lobby for their interests, the increased supply is vital for the region. "We were very strong in lobbying for Objective 1 status. We have got this and now we have to see infrastructure put in place."