A mother of 17 charged with attempting to extort €24,000 ($30,945), has been granted bail.

Brigid Ryan, from Fairgreen, Rathkeale, Co Limerick was charged with demanding money from Patrick Hegarty at 7 Fairgreen, Rathkeale, between December 14 and 25, 2010.

The 52-year old has been accused of demanding €24,000 from Mr Hegarty and threatening to blow up his house if he did not come up with the funds.

The Limerick woman who has 11 daughters and six sons, was initially charged on New Year's Day and appeared last week before Judge Mary O'Halloran, at a Limerick courthouse.

Defense solicitor for Ms Ryan requested a bail application as there had been "a significant change in circumstances".

Supt Tom Lundon of Bruff garda station informed the judge that the State was not objecting to bail.
Supt Lundon said that Ms Ryan must stay away from Mr Hegarty and members of his family. She was also ordered to sign on daily at Rathkeale garda station.

Judge Mary O'Halloran granted free legal aid to the mother, who is in receipt of social welfare.

She is due to appear in court next Friday. Her husband and several of her daughters were present in court for the hearing.