Eirgrid has welcomed the decision to grant planning permission for the northern section of the North-South Interconnector.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon approved the contentious project today but continued opposition is expected from concerned locals.
Planning approval for the northern section of the project was previously granted in 2018 but this was overturned after a legal challenge.
Minister Mallon today announced she has approved a revised application.
Eirgrid and SONI, which manage the electricity grids in the Republic and Northern Ireland, have welcomed the decision.
Eirgrid has said the project "is critical to improving the security of electricity supply across the island of Ireland".
Planning approval has already been given for the southern section of the project through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, with today's decision clearing the way for construction to begin.
However, local opposition groups have said they plan to continue their campaign against the project.
Concerns have been raised locally over the impact of the project with calls for it to be placed underground.
Groups have claimed Eirgrid and the ESB do not have permission to access land to erect the pylons.
Communications Minister Eamon Ryan this evening welcomed the planning approval and said he expects Eirgrid "to fully and openly engage with communities along the route" to ensure "its appropriate delivery and that its benefits are understood by and shared with those living closest to the route".
