ERC undertook the final evaluation of the Coastal Uplands: Heritage and Tourism (CUPHAT) project. The  aim of CUPHAT was to showcase the natural and cultural heritage of coastal upland areas in Ireland (Wicklow Mountains and the Blackstairs Mountains) and Wales (Cambrian Mountains, Preseli Hills) to increase sustainable forms of tourism within them, thus leading to the creation of more sustainable livelihoods, communities and environments. The work was carried out for University of Aberystwyth and University College Dublin and CUPHAT was funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Ireland Wales Co-operation Programme.

The evaluation included an initial evaluative review to establish the baseline data that demonstrates both the need for the project and from which progress towards the project’s objectives could be evaluated. ERC also conducted an end-of-project evaluation to assess and understand the impact of the project  and to assess the success of CUPHAT in meeting the key priorities of the Ireland Wales Co-operation Programme.