Dún Laoghaire’s new seafront library was branded “a monstrosity” at a packed public meeting this week.

The controversial Central Library and Culture Centre is costing €36.6 million to construct.

It will have rooms for local art and community groups as well as a 100-seat auditorium, cafe, reading and public internet area, a gallery and a local history room.

The public meeting heard that demolishing the building would cost €2 million and this would be “worth spending”.

Bob Waddell, a local who attended the meeting said residents fear that the building will set a precedent for other waterfront buildings.

Mr Waddell said it is already attracting a raft of nicknames.

“At the meeting, there was a huge outcry against it. Nobody likes it and we believes that it has set a precedent for a seafront building that height.”

“The word ‘monstrosity’ was used and now it’s being referred to as the titanic. And also, it’s being built on a lovely, big bowling green Moran’s Park – so the building is now being called ‘Moron’s Park’.”

“We’re very upset by it because we feel it affects the whole waterfront area.”

The library will include a public “living room” overlooking the park, with space for internet use, newspapers and magazines as well as a resource for community information and a dedicated suite of rooms for young people.

Meanwhile, Labour councillor Donna Pierce told independent.ie: “My view is very clear. I don’t have an issue with a lovely civic building and promoting arts and culture.”

“But I believe that the €36million that was spent on the library could have been used elsewhere.”

“I wouldn’t have voted for it. But now, in principal, going forward, I think we need to make the best of what we have.”

And Green Party candidate Ossian Smyth said the building "looks like it fell off a nuclear power station. I don't like it at all".

Online Editors