I would dump eircom altogther if I could:
1) Get bb that does not require a landline. This would be either wireless, ntl cable or chorus cable for example. Digiweb also have a good package for 20 euros per month which is wireless bb and a telephone line also provided over the wireless link, meaning you can dump the eircom line.
2) Once you have a bb connection that does not need your phone line, sign up to a voip provider like
www.blueface.ie By voip i do not mean skype. You have to go for a service like blueface as it gives exact same functionality as a landline, i.e local number, incomming and outgoing calls, no pc required, use a normal landline telephone etc. Voice packages from blueface cost 15 euros pm to give you unlimited landline calls anwhere in ireland or uk. And there is no line rental to pay. There is even a pay as you go option.
3) If you cannot get bb, there are plenty of alternatives to eircom. Priore to me getting wireless bb, I had my landline with Euphony, which cost me 10 euros per month for all irish landline calls, but obviously I also had to pay line rental.
There are other voip providers in ireland like skytel, broadtalk and even smart076, so chack them out also, but my recommendation based on price, package and service would be blueface (I am excusing them for the recent bad service issues as they seem to be getting sorted again now)
Regards,
Eamon