I take it you're talking about dyed precast concrete slabs - don't have any experience with them, but I wonder if you've been missold - how well would any outdoor product retain its colour or shade in Irish weather? Having said that, you might think that the slabs would fade evenly were they the same shade to begin with, but again, depending on the lay of the patio, rain pouring off it and frost would ensure that some would fade faster than others. I would have thought that any product sold for outdoor use would come with this proviso.