Have you thought of buying 2nd hand on ebay?
I did this last year, and got a 50mm Canon lens. Big saving on the new price.
Unlike a lot of stuff, a well cared-for and little used lens will usually be indistinguishable from new.
I bought the lens in question on ebay and did save loads but then got hit with duty. extra 70 euro i hadnt expected to pay (darn DHL), still generally 150-200 cheaper than anywhere in ireland and pixmania!!
Its a great lens, the Image stabiliser is great. Allows better shots in darker conditions (which i want) and zoom is fairly good. The lens quality is excellent aswell. Very good carry about lens.