Point taken Jamie2k9.
Pity AL didn't explain it the way you have, then it would be easier for all of us to understand why they had to stop departures after 1600.
Meanwhile it is obvious the DAA will have to invest more in snow clearing equipment and manpower even if it may only be used infrequently.
Other European airports will have to do the same.
It has been reported Gatwick invested 5 million pounds in extra snow clearing equipment compared to half million by Heathrow.
Incidentally I believe the Scandanavian airports do not have the same problems with snow clearance. Lets learn from them.
Hopefully lessons will have been learned by all concerned.