A gas cylinder and a number of tyres were set alight outside the Borris, Co Carlow, home of Green Party councillor Mary White over the weekend.
Ms White said the attack was related to her opposition to illegal dumping and the racing of cars in the area.
She said it was a matter of luck that no one was injured in the incident early on Saturday morning.
"It was a completely reckless act that could have caused major damage and fatalities," she said. "It was the explosion that alerted us, it was like being in the middle of a war zone - it was like an exploding bomb."
The Green Party deputy leader said she had been outspoken against dumping in the area and the racing of cars on the scenic Blackstairs Mountain, particularly around the Nine Stones area. "I am presuming it is someone involved in this," she said.
"These cowardly acts of criminal behaviour will not deflect me from voicing my concerns on ongoing issues of vandalism and wanton acts of violence in Carlow," she said.
Gardaí confirmed to ireland.comthat they are investigating criminal damage at a house in Borris, Co Carlow.