Estates with deficient water supply are being left in limbo

Does the recommendation have any legal standing? Only the Oireachtas can amend the law and the powers and functions of the local authorities must be performed in accordance with the law.
Surely the taxpaying public are entitled to presume that their applications for taking in charge will be dealt with by the council in accordance with the law as per the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and not by reference to non-statutory schemes?