Sorry for the rudeness by being away so long.
For those that are interested the ferry crossing from Roslare to Pembroke is about 77 miles. Don't regret making the journey. It is still a joy to turn the key and not hear that chain!
As for how much it would have cost had I had the work done closer to home? I didn't venture to find out beyond the dealer saying, and I quote (roughly) 'we've never dealt with your model of car so it would probably take a day'. A day @ E75/hour plus parts - I'm sure you can do the math.
But it was about more than just money. For me it was more important to know that the job was being done properly and although I had never met Benny before the fact that he has experience in this area and the numerous recommendations (which by the way are well placed) make him the man.