Asbestos removal prices at June 2009

I know there have been previous threads on removal costs but they are a bit out of date - I would have thought the construction downturn might also have brought down labour costs in this area?

My 12 x 7ft garden shed has approximately 5 corrugated sheets in the roof, apparently containing asbestos. Quotes for removal and disposal are approximately €1000, inclusive of VAT.

I could remove it myself as the sheets look in very good condition and it really shouldn't take long but Im still left with the cost of proper disposal which is the major element - Id much prefer to have a reputable contractor do it.

Any views on this cost?

thanks

That's an area I'm going to have to tackle myself at some point. From what I've seen to date, I don't think there is a cheap alternative here. Dispolsal must be carried out by a licenced opperator, and given the health implications, I think I'll be happy leaving them to the removal of the sheets too!
Leo

FYI, HSA were not much assistance. Whilst any "competent person" can remove the roof, I could (in theory) be asked for a method statement, etc, detailing how the work is to be carried out.

Its clear to me that disposal takes place here in Ireland (there is one Kildare facility that accepts it), despite the fact that two of the guys looking for 1000 euro told me that it needs to be sent to Germany. It just seems like the small number of contractors are making the most of the specialist nature of the work and keeping prices on the (very) high side for the labour involved.

Whilst I will use one of these and do the job properly, it just makes me wonder how many people will just decide to do the job themselves and dispose of this material in a bog/quarry somewhere.