SSS, good suggestion. Another way to get someone else to pay for your flying is to join the Irish Air Force (not sure what they have in the way of aircraft though).
Also in your original post you mentioned the Aer Lingus Cadet training scheme. Why not try that or come to think of it any other Airline's Cadet Training Scheme. (I warn you though these slots are difficult to obtain because of the fierce competition as there are only ever a very limited number of places on courses).
Basically what I am try to tell you is in order to save a shed load of cash, try and go the way of someone else (Airforce or Airline) paying for your flying. If like me and many others in this industry you end up paying your own way, you will be in debt for years.
As for flying schools, if you do an ab initio course in Europe (0 to 250 hours and frozen ATPL), you will feel the pinch as flying is way over-priced (IMHO). Why not try flying in Florida at one of those schools where you can get an FAA and a JAA Licence. (There's one of them on an advertising banner on this Web Site, I think its in Naples). The flying is cheaper and something else to think about, the weather is better.
If you are forced to go the Self Paying route then I would strongly suggest before you start paying out money for flying that you go and get a Class 1 JAA medical at the Mater Hospital in Dublin or somewhere else like CAA House at Gatwick. Because if you don't meet the requirements, you may have to consider either just going the FAA (United States) way (and that too depends if you qualify for a Class 1 as well). The FAA standards are not as strict as the JAA's. If however you don't pass either Medicals then you may have to do the unthinkable and give up the whole idea of flying.