The findings of Lord Saville’s inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday will not be released until March 2010.
The findings of the £200 million probe were supposed to be given to the British government by the end of this year.
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward has expressed shock at the latest delay, which comes six years after the investigation ended.
'I am concerned at the impact on the families of those who lost loved ones and those who were injured,' Mr Woodward said.
'I am equally concerned at the increased anxiety that soldiers serving on the day will suffer,' he added.
The inquiry was established in 1998 by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
13 civilians died after paratroopers opened fire during a civil rights demonstration in Derry in January 1972.
