Work is set to move forward on a new mortuary at University Hospital Waterford, in a move which has been described as "years overdue".

The hospital's current facility came under major pressure earlier this year when it was revealed bodies of the deceased were being stored on the floor.

Funding of €5.67 million has been announced for the new facility, which will have 14 additional spaces on the current mortuary, as well as two more post mortem tables.

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Local Sinn Féin TD, David Cullinane welcomed the funding, but expressed concerns that a scandal was needed to move things forward.

Deputy Cullinane said: "Today, I received a letter from the HSE confirming that funding of €5.67m has been approved for the new mortuary.

"This is a welcome development and one that is years overdue.

"However, it must be pointed out that construction completion is not expected until the end of March 2021 and will not be operational until June 2021.

"This is not ideal to say the least – the issues affecting the mortuary are real and immediate.

"Nonetheless, this is progress and will strengthen services in Waterford and the wider South East."

(CM/JG)