Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh Aoife Finnegan said her thoughts went out to the driver’s colleagues “at this extremely difficult time”.
“We’ve been told he was well known and well liked among his students,” Finnegan told BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme.
“For the children involved and all of their families it’s an incredibly distressing incident and we’re just relieved that no children were injured.
“St Paul’s is a strong and caring school community and I know staff will be doing everything will be doing everything to support their pupils and one another.”
Social Democratic and Labour Party MLA for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty said there is “deep sadness” following the death.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of the wider community, are with the driver’s family following this tragic death,” he said.
“This will have been an awful shock for them and from the tributes paid it is clear he was highly regarded and respected by colleagues.”
He said it was “miraculous” that the children on board the bus “escaped with only minor injuries”.
“Nonetheless, this will have been a frightening and traumatic experience for them and it is important they receive the support they need in the days and weeks ahead.”