Published Wednesday, 06 February 2013
Arlene Arkinson disappeared after attending a disco in 1994. (© Family album photo)
Arlene, from Castlederg in Co Tyrone, was 15 when she disappeared in August 1994 after a night out at a disco in Donegal. Her body has never been found.
Eight years ago child killer Robert Howard was acquitted of her murder.
"I would not have the capacity to hold an inquest this year," Mr Leckey told a preliminary hearing in Belfast's Old Town Hall on Wednesday.
"I just would not have the resources."
Arlene's sister Kathleen said the family are disappointed with the development.
The system has let me down and the family down.
Kathleen Arkinson
"At times I think will I make it myself for Arlene's inquest? I have been asking for this since 2005. It would mean a bit of closure and comfort," she added.
"This is just ridiculous. Arlene is pushed to the side again."
An inquest into Arlene's disappearance was ordered in 2007 but has been delayed after Howard's legal team launched a legal challenge claiming it could undermine the trial verdict.
The police conducted searches at Howard's former flat in Main Street, Castlederg last year after new information was received.
Mark Robinson, barrister for the PSNI told the hearing they are awaiting the results of forensic tests on 800 exhibits removed from the flat.
Mr Robinson said: "This is not a matter that has gone to sleep. This is a matter that has been proactively chased down.
"The police are doing everything they can."
Another preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 8 March.