The Department of Transport has defended freezing active travel funding at its 2020 level, effectively amounting to a 29% cut over the last six years.Yesterday, campaigners and an opposition spokesperson criticised the unwillingness of the Government to keep active travel in line with inflation.As reported by this website, to keep pace with inflation since October 2020, the 360 million-a-year investment in active travel would need to rise to over 510 million today. This is based on the Society of Chartered Surveyors Irelands construction Tender Price Index, as most active travel funding goes to planning and building walking and cycling infrastructure.A spokesperson for the Department said: The Department of Transport welcomes its Exchequer allocation of over 5.5 billion in Budget 2027 in light of strong competing demands across Government. This significant overall investment in transport allows for the maintenance of the high level of funding for walking and cycling into next year, totalling over 360 million.The continuation of this funding demonstrates the Governments ongoing commitment to the delivery of safe and connected walking and cycling infrastructure across the country, supporting healthier communities, reducing transport emissions and providing people with more sustainable travel choices, the spokesperson said, The Department of Transport said it recognises the inflationary pressures faced by all areas of public investment and, as a result, is aiming to ensure that the funding made available is used as effectively as possible. In this regard, it pointed to the National Transport Authoritys Cost Management Guidelines, which it said should be referred to by local authorities to both ensure value for money and to maximise delivery while remaining within budget.It also said: In tandem, all Active Travel projects are subject to robust appraisal, cost control and oversight arrangements.The funding allocated to the Active Travel Programme allows for the continuation of support for a substantial pipeline of projects nationwide, at all stages of development, design and delivery. The benefits of such investment are evident, from health to environment to economic benefits as outlined in a recent report commissioned by the NTA. This report found that every 1 invested in Active Travel generates 4 in benefits for society, the Department spokesperson said. The spokesperson added: The Departments focus remains on sustaining record levels of investment in walking and cycling and continuing the rollout of walking and cycling infrastructure across Ireland, over 1,200km of which has been delivered since the start of the decade.As reported yesterday, Ciarn Ferrie, a founder and spokesperson for I Bike Dublin, a campaign group, said: The Government has once again failed to invest adequately in active travel. The capital funding allocation of 360m for 2027 is exactly the same as it has been every year since 2020.In 2013 the NTA published the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan which promised to expand the cycle network from 500km to 2,800km by 2021. Now, 13 years later, most of that network remains unbuilt as the plan gathers dust, he said.Ferrie added: If the government is really serious about helping people with rising fuel costs, they need to invest in sustainable transport to offer viable alternatives to the private car.READ MORE: Budget 2027: Active travel funding still frozen at 2020 level effectively means its a 29% cut