A WEST Cork-based man was the driving force behind an innovative rescue trolley designed to get stranded dolphins and whales back in the sea.

Wildlife enthusiast Denis O’Regan moved to Donaghmore, Barryroe from the UK in 2015 and is a stranding responder and Cork coordinator for the IWDG (Irish Whale and Dolphin Group).

‘Occasionally stranded dolphins are reported alive and depending on several factors it might be deemed appropriate to attempt guiding the animal back to the ocean,’ explained Denis. ‘But dolphins are heavy – a common dolphin can weigh 150 kilograms. One method the IWDG employs is to place the dolphin in a strong sling which can take six to  eight volunteers to lift and carry it back to the sea.

‘Trained IWDG responders are insured for this task however, it can be difficult to gather enough responders for the job especially as speed is critical.’

Dolphins, he said, are not designed to be on land and when stranded face many dangers. Time is critical. ‘The body weight can put tremendous pressure on the internal organs; UV rays even on a cloudy day can cause burning of the sensitive paper-thin skin; and predatory gulls favour soft tissue first - like the eyes,’ he explained.

Having attended and assisted stranded dolphins and whales throughout the region, he felt certain there had to be a way to do it faster and easier and back in July 2023 he contacted the engineering faculty at University College Cork.‘I proposed an engineering project challenge – to design a rescue trolley that could enable a minimum of two people to transport a dolphin back to the ocean. It would need to fit in a car and be assembled as quickly as possible. It also needed to be able to travel over a variety of surfaces including sand, mud, pebbles and rocky shores,’ he said.

Also onboard was Gemma O’Connor (live stranding network response coordinator at the IWDG) who contributed her wealth of experience including some sketched ideas.

‘Not only did UCC Engineering Department accept the challenge – they also fully funded the design and materials for the prototype,’ revealed Denis. ‘After several iterations and modifications we just needed a strong harness and Doyle Sails, Kinsale created the perfect design – again sponsoring the project with no cost to us.

‘Finally we needed a catchy name for the contraption and UCC Course lecturer Bill Wright suggested DOLORES (DOLphin Onshore REscue System),’ said Denis.

DOLORES has been trialled, nearly three years after Denis first had the idea, and was a huge success. It’s just one of many innovative projects Denis has been behind since moving to West Cork with his wife Carol.

A composer, arranger, conductor, pianist, music therapist, and choirmaster, he also set up a free community choir Canto, and he also runs Faithful.ie, creating website solutions for faith communities.

Denis’s advice to anyone who finds a dolphin or whale in distress is to call the IWDG hotline on 097 28118 and don’t attempt to refloat the animal without speaking to IWDG first, as they have a network of trained volunteers who can help.

All animals get a health assessment so the best decision on welfare grounds is made for that animal. Never drag it by the tail which can injure it permanently.

• To report a sighting of dolphins or whales sightings in the sea or report a dead or stranded dolphin or whale then use report.iWDG.ie