The marketing and re-use of asbestos products, including asbestos roofing materials, has been banned from 1 April 2000. The relevant EU and national legislation allows for the retention of asbestos roofing materials in the roofs of existing buildings until the end of their service life, which is estimated at 50 years or more.
I am advised that there are no known hazards associated with the retention of asbestos roofs. In the circumstances, provided the asbestos roofs are properly managed and not interfered with, they can be left in situ until such time as the opportunity or necessity to replace them arises. It would not be practicable for my Department to offer grant assistance for the wide range of properties from which removal of asbestos roofing may be necessary nor would such an approach be consistent with the polluter pays principle.