The high voltage power cable will connect Northern Ireland's electricity grid with the Republic's. It will run between Cavan and Tyrone.

NIE says there is no health risk, but people living in the area of the proposed route are concerned.

Biologist Roger Coghill said there was a lot of evidence on the adverse health effects of living near electric fields.

"The idea that there are no health risks from living near electric fields was dispelled decades ago," Mr Coghill said.

"We have substantial evidence in every part of science that there are adverse health effects from exposures.

"Anyone who denies that simply hasn't read the scientific literature."

NIE said it had not yet finalised its plans for the interconnector, but would be consulting with individuals and communities in the proximity of the proposed route in late June and early July.

"The interconnector will be an important addition to Northern Ireland's infrastructure, which will deliver benefits for consumers through both Northern Ireland and the Republic," the company said.

"Without interconnection it is demonstrably the case that there would be less competition, higher electricity prices, less generation from renewable sources, and more blackouts across the island of Ireland."