Phenylamide-based fungicides were reintroduced to the Irish market in 1985. Mixtures of phenylamides and mancozeb were recommended for no more than 3 sprays in potato late blight control programmes with the last systemic spray to be applied not later than 31 July. Samples of potato foliage infected with P infestans were collected from the main potato growing areas in Ireland over a five-year period starting in 1985. Using the floating disc method, 11 % of the crops sampled in 1985 were found to have phenylamide-resistant strains of P infestans present. The number of crops with resistant strains increased rapidly up to 1988 when 83 % of the crops sampled had resistance. Factors affecting the distribution of resistance and the efficacy of a phenylamide-based spray programme are discussed.