How to connect
A plain-language guide to connecting your AI to Irish planning data. No technical background needed.
What is a connector?
Think of it like adding a new contact to your phone — once added, your AI can reach Archa whenever it needs planning data. You add it once, and it just works from then on.
You might see the term MCP — it stands for Model Context Protocol. It's the language AI tools use to talk to data sources like Archa. You don't need to understand it; just paste one URL.
The only URL you need:
Which AI tools work?
Pick your tool to see exactly what the setup looks like.
Claude
Pro / Max / TeamWorks on claude.ai, the desktop app, and mobile — all share the same connectors.
- 1
Open Settings → Connectors
Click your profile icon (top-right), then Settings. Scroll to the Connectors section.
- 2
Click "Add custom connector"
It's at the bottom of the Connectors list, below any pre-built ones.
- 3
Enter the details and click Add
Name it anything you like (e.g. "Archa") and paste the MCP Server URL below.
- 4
Sign in when prompted
A login page will open — sign in with Google or Microsoft. This is a one-time step.
- 5
Enable it in each conversation
In any chat, click the + button → Connectors → toggle Archa on. Connectors are per-conversation, not global.
Good to know
- Custom connectors require a paid Claude plan (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise). The free tier can't add them.
- Claude Desktop and claude.ai share connectors — add once, use everywhere, including mobile.
Why do I need to sign in?
Your AI tool will open a sign-in page the first time you connect. This is how Archa knows it's you — so your points are tracked to your account and nobody else can use them.
Industry-standard security. Archa uses OAuth 2.1 — the same technology used by Google, Microsoft, and GitHub to keep sign-ins safe.
What happens after connecting?
Just mention planning in your conversation. Your AI uses Archa automatically — no commands, no syntax, no special formatting.
Asking questions
Once connected, ask your AI assistant anything about Irish planning applications.
Site Research
What's happening near a property
"Any planning applications near D04 V6X2 in the last 6 months?"
"What's being built within 1km of Eyre Square, Galway?"
Document Analysis
Read inside actual planning documents
"Find the conditions attached to application SD22A/0345"
"Search the planner's report for DCC/2024/1234 for mentions of traffic impact"
Decision Tracking
Monitor outcomes and appeals
"What applications were refused in Galway last week?"
"Has application ABP-315678 been appealed?"
Market Insights
Statistics and trends
"What's the grant rate for residential applications in Cork this year?"
"Show me monthly planning application trends in Dublin"
What you can ask about
Understanding points
What costs points?
Each MCP tool call costs points. Simple lookups cost fewer points, while more complex searches cost more. Your AI assistant may make multiple tool calls to answer a single question.
Checking your balance
You can see your current point balance anytime in your Dashboard.
What happens at 0 points?
When your points are exhausted, additional tool calls will return an error until you have more points. You can purchase more from the Billing page, or get in touch if you need a custom arrangement.
Common questions
Ready to get started?
Sign up and connect your AI assistant in under a minute.